Models of Excellence Program
Congratulations, 2025 Models of Excellence Program Honorees!
This year, 52 staff members were selected to receive awards. The Penn community celebrated their outstanding efforts and achievements at the Models of Excellence ceremony on April 7, 2025 at the Penn Museum.
About Models of Excellence
The Models of Excellence Award program celebrates the extraordinary achievements of full- and part-time staff across the University's schools and centers and has recognized over 1,800 staff members. Now in its twenty-sixth year, the program continues to advance the University’s principles and practices by honoring the people who are the foundation of all we do.
Each year, Penn offers the whole community the chance to recognize these efforts by nominating staff members for Models of Excellence honors in the fall and by attending the award ceremony in April.
Quick Links
The Awards
- Models of Excellence Award Since 1999, this award has recognized staff member accomplishments that reflect initiative, leadership, increased efficiency, and a deep commitment to service.
- Pillars of Excellence Award Introduced in 2014, this award recognizes the important contributions of our staff in support roles who promote Penn’s success.
- Model Supervisor Award Since 2007, this award has honored supervisors who are successful and constructive contributors to Penn's success.
The Nomination Process
The nomination period for 2026 will open in September 2025. You can nominate individual Penn staff members and teams for an award in three categories: Models of Excellence, Pillars of Excellence, and Model Supervisor.
The nomination process is detailed, and all its components must be completed before the nomination can be accepted. Before completing the nomination form, review the published worksheet, which will help you to collect the required information, and work with a partner or team collaboratively, before entering it in the nomination form.
Nomination steps:
- Review the eligibility criteria below.
- Complete the Nomination Form, which includes two reference letters and supervisor verification of eligibility.
- For a nomination for a team, use the Models Team Member Form to record your list of names and contact information for each nominee.
- Submit the completed nomination through the Nomination Form by the published deadline.
Eligibility
The table below describes specific criteria for each award category.
| Models of Excellence | Pillars of Excellence | Model Supervisor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active full-time staff | X | X | X |
| Active part-time staff | X | X | X |
| Supervisor, Manager or Director | X | ineligible | X |
| Staff in Support Roles | X | X | ineligible |
| in Performance Improvement/ Discipline | ineligible | ineligible | ineligible |
| Length of time in a supervisory position | n/a | n/a | 3 years or more |
| Number of staff supervised (student workers not included) |
n/a | n/a | 2 or more |
Who Can Submit Nominations
All members of the Penn community are welcome to submit nominations, including faculty, students, staff, and postdocs. Staff members may nominate themselves or their teams.
Selection and Notification
An annually rotating Models of Excellence Selection Committee reviews all nominations and selects the award winners. The committee is representative of the talent of our institution, composed of Penn leaders from the Provost, Executive Vice President, and Vice President of Human Resources areas, previous Models of Excellence award winners, and other faculty and staff members from across campus.
After staff members are chosen for recognition, they will be notified in the spring term. The honorees are announced to the Penn community. Honorees are also acknowledged at the spring Models of Excellence Award Ceremony.
Awards, Ceremony, and Reception
The Penn community will celebrate your outstanding efforts and achievements at the Models of Excellence ceremony. The next ceremony will take place in the spring of 2026.
In all categories, award recipients each receive $500 and a symbolic award. Recipients must be active University employees on the date of the ceremony to participate on stage and receive awards.
Questions? Call 215-898-7729 or contact us by email.