To help guide your nomination, a sample cover letter is provided. There is no need to follow this format; it is provided for guideline purposes only.

Dear Selection Committee:

I have had the pleasure of working with Jane Doe since she joined the Marine Institute in 2008. Jane immediately proved herself a valuable asset as she worked through various MI initiatives.

She is patient and very willing to share her knowledge and expertise. She is open to new ideas and quickly jumps in to help whenever and wherever needed. Jane is an important part of the team at MI.

List Jane’s title and unit here plus a short overview of her role. Then follow up with specific examples of her role.

For example: This means organizing events and responding to the various requests. It means building solid working relationships with the MI community. And while not part of her role, Jane has also made a measurable impact over the past six years as an advocate for international students.

She takes time to work with new students to help them get settled into the rhythm of classes and on-campus activities, and helps with class fund-raising activities that allow students to participate in off-campus learning opportunities.

Engagement with clients is a role that Jane relishes. She is professional and helpful with a wonderful and refreshing “can-do” attitude. She is always willing to go the extra mile to get things done to perfection.

Jane constantly strives to do the best that she can do with any client initiative, and to ensure that MI and the university are portrayed in a professional manner. Include an example of a time when Jane worked with a client and the result of this encounter.

She is an excellent team member, who takes pride in her work. When one of her colleagues has great success, Jane is there to celebrate. When a colleague needs a bit of a pick-me-up, Jane is there to lighten the moment.

I recall a time when...include an example here.

Jane is a warm, friendly, kind, compassionate, and selfless individual; I admire her ability to stay positive. She willingly lets others bounce ideas off her and is supportive of any new initiatives.

She is always smiling and uses her great sense of humour to reduce stressful situations. In addition to her cheerfulness, she typically has a funny anecdote or an inspirational story to share.

She treats everyone equally and with great respect. Provide an example here.

I have often had opportunities to speak to members of the MI community (internally and externally) who met and interacted with Jane while she carried out an MI initiative.

Always and without fail, these individuals sing Jane’s praises. She never misses a deadline, takes great pride in her work, and provides excellent results. Consider providing a direct quote here.

Jane continuously displays respect, consideration, and overall helpfulness to the entire campus community. The nature of her position requires Jane to work with colleagues in different units all across campus; she has developed strong and cooperative working relationships.

She values people by recognizing the importance of others, as individuals and as team members. Her role requires great communication among varying personalities, which can be a challenge.

However, throughout her years with MI, Jane has developed creative strategies that ensure the ultimate goal of any task is achieved while ensuring harmonious relations among all parties. Include an example of a strategy.

Jane is very proud of our university and the accomplishments of our students and alumni, faculty and staff. She is constantly looking for success stories which she then shares with her colleagues and others.

She is a wonderful ambassador, not only for MI, but for the entire university.

I highly recommend Jane Doe for the Marine Institute Award for Exceptional Service.