Michelle Osmond

Campus Enforcement and Patrol (CEP) officers Wendy Murphy and Lynette Wells are a pretty dynamic duo. Their good deeds make for a long list, which is why they just received the President’s Award for Exemplary Service.

When Murphy found out they’d been nominated, the recognition alone already felt like a win. “As a volunteer there is no better feeling than having what you do recognized although that's not why we do it. The award also brings attention to the causes we support.”

“Besides the feeling of helping others, I like the social aspect of volunteering. We meet so many people from all over the world and develop relationships with them, but most of all I like when I get a thank-you, a high five or a hug from someone I helped,” said Murphy.

Meeting new people is also high on the list for Wells. “The thing I enjoy most about volunteering is the people I meet and making many long-time friends along the way.”

The first CEP officers to receive this award, Ms. Murphy and Ms. Wells have made it their mission to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics. Ms. Wells is director and Ms. Murphy is the assistant director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises money for the organizations. They have represented CEP and Memorial University in the run since 2001. The two organized and established a Memorial University Special Olympic five kilometre walk/run on campus and were both members of the organizing committee for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge - all for Special Olympics.

Also in 2001, Officers Murphy and Wells got involved in CEP’s Operation Toys for Kids program, a toy drive for under privileged children in the province. Officer Wells can also add fundraising for the Janeway Children’s Hospital to her list of accolades.

Both officers are part of the Residence Council Safety Review committee as well as members of the Campus Enforcement Honor Guard and are the only representatives from universities in Atlantic Canada with the Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement. They also participate in the Student Housing Orientation Program for resident co-ordinators and assistants. In 2012 CEP started a new safety initiative of internal residence patrols where Officer Murphy spoke to students about security and safety. This eventually led to them volunteering to give formal safety and security talks in the residences.

Both Murphy and Wells, who are also close friends outside of work, said most of the volunteer work they do wouldn’t be possible if they weren’t CEP officers. “I appreciate the fact that our job enables us to promote the university in a positive way across the province, the country and internationally, and to help our causes along the way makes it all worth it,” added Wells.

The President's Award for Exemplary Service is presented each year to recognize employees who have demonstrated outstanding service and/or who have made significant contributions to the university community beyond that normally expected for their positions.