Models of Excellence

Now is the time to recognize fellow staff members and supervisors for their contributions to Penn's success. Nominations for the 2012 Models of Excellence Program are due by Friday, November 4. Click here for details on the nomination process.

Celebrating Over a Decade of Excellence

The Models of Excellence program is an important reminder of the remarkable contributions our staff make to Penn’s success every day. Over the last 12 years, the program has honored more than 500 staff members for their outstanding achievements.

Learn about previous Models of Excellence Award winners and nominees and Model Supervisor Award winners and finalists.

The Models of Excellence program was introduced to encourage excellence, provide inspiring role models for emulation, and recognize innovative staff accomplishments that reflect initiative, leadership, collaboration, increased efficiency, and a deep commitment to service. For information about this and previous years’ honorees, select the award type below.

Components of the Models of Excellence Program

Click below for information about the standards, nomination process and awards for each Models of Excellence component program, and for details about former winners and nominees.

Models of Excellence Award – Introduced in 1999, this component of the program recognizes notable staff member accomplishments at Penn that reflect initiative, leadership, increased efficiency and a deep commitment to service.
Commitment to Excellence – Introduced in 2004, this component provides leadership with a vehicle for recognizing outstanding commitment to the University in times of unprecedented, extraordinary situations.
Model Supervisor Award – Introduced in 2007, this component honors "model" supervisors for the behaviors that make them successful and constructive contributors to Penn’s success.

According to feedback, the Models of Excellence program has met its goals. Staff members say they feel more connected to Penn's successes. In addition to affecting those who are recognized each year, this program touches those who have been nominated, those who submit nominations and references, those who work with the honorees, and family members and friends of the honorees. They all are invited to the award ceremony and reception in the spring to celebrate the accomplishments of their colleagues. And, in keeping with the goal to provide models for others to emulate, this program includes broad publicity about the annual Models of Excellence honorees and their achievements.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at or 215-898-1012.