Congratulations to Diana Avon, who will be retiring on May 31 after 21 years of dedicated service to the university.
Learn more about Diana below, and please join me in wishing her all the best in the future!
Cathy Eberts
Executive Director, Enterprise Applications & Solutions Integration
Diana Avon – Data Architect
Joined U of T: December 14, 1998
Retirement: May 31, 2019
Last day in the office: May 15, 2019
Describe your background and how you arrived at EASI
I started working in IT in 1983 as a Junior Programmer Trainee with the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services. I received an IBM Job Control Language manual to read as the first part of my training. That almost made me change my mind. Fortunately, I started working on a 4th Generation programming tool called Focus and soon started developing computer systems using a prototyping methodology. I enjoyed working with data and table design, and started working as a Data Architect in the late 1980s. I worked at three different Provincial Ministries and then worked in the private sector for a few years.
I started working at EASI, when it was called AMS, in late 1998. The University was looking for a part-time Data Architect, and I was looking for a part-time job as the mother of a one year old. My one year old is now 21, and I am ready to give up commuting for gardening and spending time on other interests.
What will you remember most about EASI?
I have always enjoyed the people at EASI. There is a high level of professionalism and many friendly people at EASI. I like variety in my work, and EASI has provided me with that, allowing me to work as a Data Architect, Developer and Project lead, depending on the project.
What will you remember most about U of T?
I have always enjoyed the cross-functional project teams that build the data warehouse one data mart at a time. Working with registrars, HR staff, financial staff and analysts around the university has been both very helpful for teaching me about their business and their data requirements.
What do you plan to do in retirement?
I plan to work on my garden, organize my house and then find something else to do during the winters. I hope to take drawing lessons and travel.
What words of wisdom would you pass along to others?
Find something you enjoy doing and make that your work. Try to live close to rapid transit.