Shelley Anderson celebrates 25 years of service at McMaster University

The Arts & Science Program is proud to congratulate Shelley Anderson, Arts & Science Academic Program Administrator, on celebrating 25 years of service at McMaster University!

Shelley joined the Arts & Science program in 2001, having previously worked in the School of Graduate Studies at McMaster. She quickly became a fixture of the program and a vital and valued contributor to its academic community. Dr. Gary Warner, who was serving as Director of Arts & Science when Shelley began her work with the program, still recalls “the glowing reference” Shelley received from her previous supervisor. “That endorsement proved to be entirely accurate,” Dr. Warner notes. “The Program is blessed to have retained her services to this day.” This is a sentiment shared by countless others who have had the privilege of working with Shelley over the years. Dr. Jean Wilson, former Director of Arts & Science and Artsci instructor from 1992 to the present, puts it plainly: “Arts & Science would not be the exceptional program it is today without Shelley Anderson.”

Shelley’s first role in Arts & Science was “Administrative Secretary,” and she took to it with ease, good humour, and skill. Dr. Wilson recalls, “when Shelley joined the Arts & Science administrative team in 2001, it was clear that she was a natural. She gets to know people, enjoys interacting with them, and always remembers them; you’re never just a number with Shelley.” Dr. Warner likewise notes that, from her first days in the program, Shelley “demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the students, faculty, and staff she serves.”

These attributes continued to characterize Shelley’s remarkable work as she transitioned into the roles of Program Administrator and, subsequently, Academic Program Administrator.  Dr. Wilson recalls that when the former Arts & Science Program Administrator retired, “Shelley moved into the position with energy and enthusiasm,” helping the program continue to flourish in important ways. “In those years of significant faculty and curricular renewal, as well as many fresh initiatives and considerable outreach,” Dr. Wilson says, “Shelley’s strengths as a hard-working and fun-loving team player were indispensable.” Shelley’s fellow Academic Program Administrator Rebecca Bishop offers a similar recollection: “Since my first day in Arts & Science in 2013, Shelley has been an energetic and reliable presence in the Program Office. She brings her positive attitude, dedication, and compassion to work every day, making her an integral part of the Artsci community.”

Current Program Director, Dr. Beth Marquis, began teaching in Arts & Science around the time Shelley became one of the Program Administrators, and remembers the significant role Shelley played in welcoming her to the program: “Shelley is one of the first people I remember meeting when I began teaching in the Arts & Science Program in 2012-13. Offering her characteristic combination of wisdom, know-how, generosity, and good humour, she immediately made me feel both welcome and supported within the unique and special Artsci community.” Dr. Marquis likewise highlights the meaningful support Shelley has continued to offer her as a faculty member teaching within the program in the intervening years: “I can’t count the number of times I benefitted – both in that first year and since – from Shelley’s deep institutional knowledge, her responsiveness to even the silliest of questions and requests, and her unflagging commitment to fostering and supporting the vitality of the Arts & Science program and everyone connected to it.” Such reflections are surely shared by all of the Artsci instructors whom Shelley has supported with grace, patience, and dedication.

Generations of Artsci students and alumni have also benefited from Shelley’s wise counsel and unflagging support. Dr. Warner highlights that Shelley “has provided guidance and encouragement to countless students, ensuring their success and well-being,” while Dr. Marquis attests to seeing students and faculty alike frequently coming from Shelley’s office “having benefitted from a piece of advice, an important update, or a warm conversation.” Indeed, both current students and alumni emphasize the important role Shelley has played in their academic and personal journeys. Level III student Ishmeet Johal describes Shelley as “a pillar of support and love,” for example, noting that Shelley “builds a positive relationship with every person who walks through her door, never reserving her help and guidance.” Alumna Lia Fraleigh (Class of 2022) concurs, describing Shelley as “a true anchor” for her during the difficult transition to university and noting that she aspires to emulate many of Shelley’s practices—including “consistent check-ins,” providing “helpful resources,” and allowing people to lead conversations—in her own work. Lia shares that Shelley “played a pivotal role throughout [her] undergrad degree and helped [her] find [her] sense of self again,” and positions Shelley’s “kindness, resilience, and support,” as a key part of her Artsci experience.

Alumna Sara Badawi (Class of 2019) likewise emphasizes the important role Shelley played in her personal journey:

My first interaction with Shelley was at the Fall Open House, before I was even admitted to the program. Little did I know then that she would be a big part of my experience as an Artsci student and beyond. Shelley always had an open door – both literally and figuratively. I knew I could count on her for candid advice as I tried to figure out courses, grades, and next steps. I equally knew that I could count on her to listen when things got a little overwhelming and I needed a sounding board. She always gave her time so generously, no matter how busy she was or what else she had on her plate. I am so grateful to Shelley for the guidance and support she provided during my time at Mac (and the many times I’ve been back to visit since).

Reflections like these make especially clear the transformative impact Shelley has had on so many students throughout her tenure in Artsci—and that she continues to have to this day.

We are deeply grateful for the many ways Shelley has helped to make the Arts & Science program what it is, and for the opportunity to continue working with and learning alongside her. As Dr. Marquis notes, Shelley has been a core member of the program community “for more than half of its remarkable life, and her contributions to it cannot be overstated.”

We invite the Artsci community to join us in congratulating Shelley as she celebrates this remarkable milestone. Current and former students, instructors, and staff are welcome to contribute a few words, which will be shared with Shelley, using the following form: Words of Congratulations for Shelley Anderson.