Penn Recognizes Outstanding Staff Members with 2017 Models of Excellence Honors
At Penn, we recognize excellence in all areas of the University. In that spirit, the 2017 Models of Excellence Program will honor 59 outstanding staff members who play key roles in Penn’s ongoing success.
Now in its 18th year, The Models of Excellence Program spotlights remarkable staff contributions to the University’s standing as a global leader in education, research, and public service. It’s also a unique opportunity for staff to appreciate and be appreciated by their colleagues along with entire Penn community.
President Amy Gutmann and other senior University leaders will present honorees from schools and centers across the University with awards for their exemplary service on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 in Irvine Auditorium.
The awards are presented in three categories: Models of Excellence, Pillars of Excellence, and Model Supervisor.
Models of Excellence The Models of Excellence Award recognizes staff member accomplishments that reflect initiative, leadership, increased efficiency, and a deep commitment to service. The Pennovation Center Project Team and the Thrive at Penn Team will be presented with the Models of Excellence award this year.
The Pennovation Center Project Team was selected for creating a physical hub to develop and create an environment to foster innovation and entrepreneurialism for faculty and student inventors and researchers, as well as start-ups and other creative ventures from all over the region.
Pennovation Center Project Team Laurie Actman, Provost’s Center Steven Becker, Facilities and Real Estate Services Michael Borda, Provost’s Center Edwin Datz, Facilities and Real Estate Services Leandra Davis, School of Engineering and Applied Science Ira Kauderwood, President’s Center Dora Mitchell, Provost’s Center Michael David Poisel, Provost’s Center Jennifer Rizzi, Facilities and Real Estate Services Esaul Sanchez, Facilities and Real Estate Services Paul Sehnert, Facilities and Real Estate Services Tony Sorrentino, Office of the Executive Vice President Ira Winston, School of Engineering and Applied Science Heidi T. Wunder, Facilities and Real Estate Services Thomas Yoo, Facilities and Real Estate Services
The Thrive at Penn Team was chosen for developing a new orientation program emphasizing student safety and success through a multimedia format using an innovative, online platform.
Thrive at Penn Team William Alexander, Vice Provost for University Life Molly Bonnard, University Library Christopher Cook, Information Systems & Computing Erin G. Cross, Vice Provost for University Life David Fox, Provost’s Center Marjan Osman Gartland, Vice Provost for University Life Aman Goyal, Vice Provost for University Life Ashlee Halbritter, Vice Provost for University Life Mayumi Hirtzel, Information Systems & Computing Monica Yant Kinney, Vice Provost for University Life Meeta Kumar, Vice Provost for University Life Troy Majnerick, Provost’s Center Anita Mastroieni, Provost’s Center Laurie McCall, Vice Provost for University Life Stephen McCann, Vice Provost for University Life Noelle Melartin, Vice Provost for University Life Jessica Mertz, Vice Provost for University Life Ryan Miller, Vice Provost for University Life Julie Nettleton, Provost’s Interdisciplinary Programs Giang Nguyen, Vice Provost for University Life Litty Paxton, Vice Provost for University Life Vanessa Stoloff, Vice Provost for University Life Deborah Westerling, Vice Provost for University Life
Models of Excellence Honorable Mentions The Amazon@Penn Team, Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) New College House Team, and Sung Youn Sonya Gwak will receive Models of Excellence Honorable Mentions.
Amazon@Penn Team Douglas Berger, Business Services Christopher Bradie, Business Services Rafael de Luna III, Facilities and Real Estate Services David Dunn, Facilities and Real Estate Services Barbara A. Lea-Kruger, Business Services Roman Petyk, President’s Center Stephen Wielgus, Business Services
FRES New College House Team Douglas Berger, Business Services Mariette Buchman, Facilities and Real Estate Services Michael Dausch, Facilities and Real Estate Services Michael Doherty, Facilities and Real Estate Services David Dunn, Facilities and Real Estate Services John Eckman, Residential and Hospitality Services David Hollenberg, Facilities and Real Estate Services Monique Jerman, Facilities and Real Estate Services Paul Kilbride, Residential and Hospitality Services Pamela Lampitt, Residential and Hospitality Services Marty Redman, College House and Academic Services
and
Sung Youn Sonya Gwak, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Pillars of Excellence The Pillars of Excellence Award recognizes the important support Penn’s weekly-paid staff members provide to promote the University’s mission. This year’s Pillars of Excellence award will go to Katie Carlin Birch of Business Services. Carlin Birch is recognized for exemplifying the essence of a customer service mentality through collaboration, dedication, and innovative thinking while continually demonstrating a commitment to excellence in for Parking, Transportation, the Ice Rink and Mail Services (PTIRM).
Maya Smith of Business Services is this year’s Pillars of Excellence Honorable Mention. Smith will be honored for her sound decision making, outstanding customer service, and superior organizational skills as the "face of PennCard."
Model Supervisors The Model Supervisor Award honors supervisors who are effective and productive leaders for the University.
This year Tina Skov Cowan in Development and Alumni Relations and Lilian Wu in School of Engineering and Applied Science will receive Model Supervisor awards. Each Models of Excellence, Pillars of Excellence, and Model Supervisor Award winner and winning team member will receive $500 and a symbolic award. Staff members who have earned Honorable Mentions will receive $250 and a symbolic award.
The 22-member 2017 Selection Committee included people from across the Penn community: administrators, faculty, weekly-paid staff, supervisors, and past Models of Excellence honorees. This year, the selection committee carefully reviewed 15 Models of Excellence nominations, 4 Pillars of Excellence nominations, and 9 Model Supervisor nominations submitted by University colleagues and supervisors. All nominees merit recognition for their noteworthy work. Honorees were selected based on their distinguished efforts and impact above-and-beyond expectation.
Congratulations to all honorees, finalists and nominees!
The Penn community is invited to attend the Models of Excellence Award Ceremony and Reception on Tuesday, March 28, at 4 p.m. in Irvine Auditorium. Visit https://www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/appreciation/models for ceremony details and to learn how you can nominate a coworker for this prestigious award.
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