Two EEB staff members have been honoured with 2026 Dean’s Outstanding Staff Awards: Tom Gludovacz, chief horticulturalist, received the Dean’s Outstanding Technical Service Award, while Susan Debreceni, the U of T Trash Team’s program lead, Volunteer Engagement and Community Programs, was awarded the Dean’s Student Life Award.

The awards recognize in both the essential nature of their work and commitment to the successful functioning of the U of T Growth Facilities and the U of T Trash Team, respectively. Beyond exceptional professionalism, innovation, and teamwork, the awards also speak to the positive impact Gludovacz and Debreceni have on the morale of their colleagues, collaborators, and beyond.

Tom Gludovacz

Describing Gludovacz, one recommender wrote, “Thomas exemplifies the very spirit of the Dean’s Outstanding Technical Service Award. Without his expertise, our instructional delivery would be more vulnerable, our research continuity less secure, and our sustainability progress significantly diminished.”

Asked how he felt about the recognition, Gludovacz noted that the award meant a great deal to him, “because it affirms the importance of the behind‑the‑scenes work that supports students, faculty, other staff, and the broader teaching and research objectives of U of T.” He expressed gratitude “to be in the position I’m in, to be part of the collaborative relationships and shared commitment to excellence that make our department and university such a rewarding place to work.”

And with which five individual words would he describe his work?

• Students
• Team
• Collaborations
• Flowers
• Discoveries

Susan Debreceni

Endorsing Debreceni for her award, a nominator noted that “Susan gives the students the tools they need to be successful and the confidence and motivation to act. . . . Through Susan’s leadership . . . , students not only gain valuable skills in the community to benefit their individual growth but also contribute to the overall impact of both our department, the Faculty of Arts & Science, and beyond.”

Debreceni described receiving the recognition “as a real honour.” “As one of the co-founders of the U of T Trash Team,” she added, “I have been personally motivated by the opportunity to create pathways of growth and success for students through the volunteer and short-term positions we offer. I consider myself as that person behind the scenes who lays the foundation for others to succeed.” Nothing, she says, pushes her more to go forward than hearing from students about how their experience with the U of T Trash Team has furthered their professional and personal growth. 

Debreceni’s five words to describe her work?

• Fun/Creativity
• Supportive Atmosphere (“We encourage the sharing of all ideas, and in my role, I look for ways to take ideas and support/mentor them to reality”)
• Welcoming (“We are open to and encourage students no matter their area of study or their current knowledge of plastic pollution”)
• Inspirational
• Student Potential

Heartfelt congratulations to both!