Embodying Service in finance: Isgo Nercessian

UBC is one of the world’s leading research institutions, recognized internationally as a global centre for teaching and learning, and chosen by students and faculty from across Canada and around the world as an academic destination. But there is a very significant dedicated team who are supporting this destination every day — who maintain the physical and financial assets of the organization and nurture the operations that are essential to UBC’s academic mission and vision. The staff of the VPFO are emblematic of the university’s motto Tuum Est — it is yours — as they build and maintain a better UBC each and every day through their dedication and service.

This year several members of the VPFO team were recognized in particular for their outstanding contribution to the organization through the President’s Staff Awards. Clara Ng, Assistant Dean, Finance, for the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences received the award for the transformational impact her work has had on her faculties. Particularly, in the Faculty of Education, Clara’s exemplary leadership and support of collaboration has contributed to an improved understanding and greater transparency of financial affairs among the faculty’s units.

Across campus, Financial Services Representative Isgo Nercessian is a familiar face at reception in the main UBC Financial Operations office, where she assists visitors with queries relating to their payroll and benefits. Isgo was recognized this year with a President’s Staff Award for Enhancing the UBC Experience.

Known for her patience and attentiveness, Isgo focuses on working with UBC employees to find efficient solutions to their issues, and to advance their understanding of the complex and layered payroll and finance processes at UBC. She was nominated for the award by Dr. Franc Feng, a faculty member from UBC’s Master of Educational Technology program, who felt compelled to recognize Isgo for her valued support with organizing his benefits over the years.

“Isgo has always been a caring professional who deeply empathizes with those under her charge,” said Dr. Feng. “Waiting in line over the years, seeing the smiles of others she has supported, I would not be surprised if they had the same positive experience that I’ve had — hence my nomination. She is a hero in the background, and deserving of formal recognition as an asset for our university.”

Isgo has been a valued member of staff at UBC for 45 years across a variety of support roles — she even met her husband when he was a PhD student in the Faculty of Education, where she worked at the time. “My job is to help people and secure solutions to their questions and issues,” says Isgo. “I believe that the key to providing great service is showing empathy, listening to each individual’s perspective, and treating others as I would want to be treated.”

“It’s a privilege to develop a career in such a prestigious environment, supporting executives, managers, and colleagues,” she added. “And it’s a bonus to be situated in such a beautiful part of the world.”

Isgo joins 3 other VPFO coworkers who were recognized with Presidential awards.  Read their story on the VPFO website

UBC’s VPFO: enabling excellence in learning and research

The VPFO is responsible for stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, including all facilities as well as the university budget and endowment. The services provided by the 1200+ individuals who report to the portfolio enable UBC’s excellence in learning and research.

Read more about the VPFO and how we are focused on enabling excellence in learning research at UBC at vpfo.ubc.ca/strategy.