Each year, the Models of Excellence Awards recognize the accomplishments and commitment of Penn staff members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity and innovation in their daily work. Candidates for the Models of Excellence and Model Supervisor Awards are nominated by their co-workers, and nominations are currently being accepted by the Division of Human Resources.

Last year, Penny Creedon, coordinator for the Language and Literacy in Education Division at the Graduate School of Education (GSE), was honored for creating and implementing new student recruitment practices that helped GSE meet its goal of increasing the number of master’s level students while also keeping costs down in light of the current economic climate.

Creedon, who has worked at Penn since 1995, says she was honored to receive the award “among so many well-deserving colleagues.” When she learned of the commendation, she says she recalled advice her father once gave her: “To find something you enjoy doing and then do it to the best of your ability.”

The Out-on-a-Limb Tree Adventure Team at the Morris Arboretum also received an award for designing the unique 450-foot-long walkway that allows visitors to experience nature 50-feet above ground while also learning about the environment.

Staff members are encouraged to nominate co-workers and an outstanding supervisor who communicates clearly, provides compassionate support and promotes a constructive and collaborative work environment. All nominations are due by Friday, Nov. 12.

For more information, including a description of the standards of excellence for the Models of Excellence and Model Supervisor Awards and instructions on how to submit a nomination, contact the Division of Human Resources at 215-898-1012 or visit www.hr.upenn.edu/Quality/Models.