Long-time Pediatrics star Lisa Villeneuve receives top McMaster service award

Lisa Villeneuve, administrative coordinator in the Department of Pediatrics, has received a 2023 McMaster President’s Award for Outstanding Service.

The annual award honours staff across the McMaster community who demonstrate excellence and outstanding commitment while making significant contributions to their field.

Having worked at McMaster for over 15 years, Villeneuve handles a variety of responsibilities, from onboarding new learners to coordinating patient bookings at McMaster Children’s Hospital. However, colleagues say that what truly sets her apart is not just what she does but why she does it.

“I love helping people, and it brings me joy to, in a small way, help a family that has a sick child. Even if I’m just there to listen to a mom or dad who is having a hard time, it does make a difference in their lives,” says Villeneuve.

She also credits the late Dr. Peter B. Dent, the pediatrician who founded McMaster Children’s Hospital and the adjacent Ronald McDonald House and with whom she worked closely, for shaping her into who she is today.

“I’m thankful that this amazing person and incredible physician appreciated how hard I worked and how important my role was,” Villeneuve said. “I now carry his morals and work ethic to support his successors, and I know he would be so very proud of me.”

Tania Cellucci, associate professor of pediatrics, has known Villeneuve since she began working in the department. Cellucci recalls being immediately impressed with Villeneuve’s commitment to patients and their families.

“When I first started at McMaster, we did not have nursing support in our division, so families would contact our rheumatology team via Lisa,” Cellucci said. “Now, several years later, we’ve added clinical support, but patients and their families still call Lisa.”

Cellucci says this is likely because of Villeneuve’s compassionate communication style, which makes families comfortable with her.

“She is consistently empathetic, clear, and efficient in her communication. Families frequently comment on how helpful Lisa is,” she said.

Cellucci notes that faculty from other divisions often seek Villeneuve’s help. She provides assistance without hesitation while continuing to support her own team’s needs.

Villeneuve remarked that assisting others comes naturally to her, making the news of receiving the President’s Award surprising and somewhat unreal.

“I can’t even put into words how I feel. I am just so grateful and thankful for the wonderful people that I work with. Without them, I would not have been nominated or won this award,” Villeneuve said.

Villeneuve received the award at a special ceremony on May 30, 2024.