In 1999, Penn’s Division of Human Resources established the Models of Excellence Program to honor the University’s exceptional staff members. We know them well—they are the co-workers who show special initiative, demonstrate outstanding leadership, foster workplace collaboration, and present an especially deep commitment to service.
Since its inception, the program has honored more than 1,000 Penn staff members who play key roles in the University’s daily successes and operations. Nominated by their fellow colleagues, and selected by a special, 23-member committee of past honorees and senior campus leaders, this year, 97 staff members will be celebrated.
Accolades include a “Models of Excellence Award,” which is honoring 13 interdisciplinary members of the Intercultural Leadership Team; Charity Payne of the GRASP Lab and PERCH; and the 20 members of the Working Group for LGBTQ Student Health. A “Model Supervisor Award” is going to Rodolfo “Rudie” Altamirano, director of International Student and Scholar Services. A “Pillars of Excellence Award” is being bestowed upon Kim Bowers, from Student Services, and Deidre Wood, from Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES).
Models of Excellence honorable mentions will go to the Perelman School of Medicine’s Faculty Life and Professional Development team; the team behind the Institutional Risk Committee’s Information Security Program; and the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Gayle Joseph. A Pillars of Excellence honorable mention goes to the Materials Library and Shared Shelf team in Fisher Fine Arts Library. Penn Medicine’s Amy Ashbridge and FRES’ Karen Di Maria will receive honorable mentions for the Model Supervisor Award.
All honorees will receive a cash prize—either $500 or $250—and a symbolic award.
The entire Penn community is encouraged to attend and applaud the honorees and their achievements on Wednesday, April 4, with President Amy Gutmann, Provost Wendell Pritchett, Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli, and Vice President for Human Resources Jack Heuer.
The Models of Excellence Program, which has been “going strong for over 19 years,” says Heuer, “recognizes the extraordinary contributions made by staff to this great University.”
And it’s notable that the president, provost, and executive vice president present the awards, he adds.
“It demonstrates their leadership commitment and recognition of Penn’s valued staff members,” Heuer says.
The ceremony, beginning at 4 p.m. at Irvine Auditorium, will feature special guest performances by Penn Sirens and the Penn Glee Club. A reception will follow. RSVP by Friday, March 30.
The nomination form will become available again in September for next year’s Models of Excellence Program. In the meantime, take note of your teammates going above and beyond: Nominations will be due in the fall.
