The Model Supervisor Award

The Call for Nominations for 2026 Models of Excellence Awards is now closed.

Honorees will be announced in February 2026.

Quick Links

• 2026 Call for Nomination Brochure
• 2026 Nomination Form
• 2026 Supervisor Verification Form

The annual Model Supervisor Award, established in 2007, is given to Penn supervisors who demonstrate exemplary behaviors and serve as outstanding role models. They fulfill the University’s principles and practices through their leadership. 

Model Supervisor Standards

The Selection Committee identifies Model Supervisors based on their noteworthy ability to:

• Act as leaders who serve
• Grow opportunity and strengthen community through the promotion of well-being, work-life integration, and personal and professional development opportunities
• Cultivate leadership and service by sustaining a collaborative and constructive workplace
• Support their team by using fair and consistent procedures, and by treating everyone with dignity, respect, and integrity
• Lead on great challenges by creating solutions, removing unnecessary barriers to achievement, and communicating goals and expectations clearly to maintain staff accountability

How to Nominate

1. Review the eligibility requirements for each award category.  Each nomination must demonstrate that the nominee meets or surpasses at least one of the category's Award standards through their notable contributions to the University's mission.
2. Complete the online Nomination Form with supporting documentation.
3. Submit the online Nomination Form by November 7, 2025.

2025 Model Supervisors

Edwin Berrios, Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS)

Edwin Berrios, Associate Director for Building Operations in RHS, leads a team that directly supports 6,000 on-campus residents. He is a patient mentor who strengthens the community by promoting well-being and work-life integration. He empowers conversations by encouraging his team to explore ways to better serve our students, families, and peers with empathy and care.

Adrian Madison Cario, Wharton School

Adrian Madison Cario, Executive Director of Wharton San Francisco, transformed Wharton’s West Coast campus workplace by cultivating deep relationships and fostering greater collaboration. Adrian empowers their team by creating an environment where everyone feels truly valued and respected. Among other initiatives, Adrian launched the internal Fog Lifter Award, which recognizes colleagues who bring clarity and insight to discussions.

Melissa Kelly, Provost’s Center

Melissa Kelly, Deputy Managing Director at the Penn Center for Innovation, transformed the Corporate Contracts and Licensing teams through comprehensive mentorship and collaborative relationships. She is intentional and thoughtful about how individuals can grow and contribute. Melissa's strategic vision and dedication have enhanced the morale of her teams and the quality of services they provide to the Penn community.

Katia Strieck, University Library

Katia Strieck, Goldstein Director in the Information Processing Center and Library Research Annex in the University Library, is a visionary leader who advances strategic initiatives to build dynamic resources, tools, and expertise that inspire critical inquiry and creative expression. Katia manages change with finesse, ensuring smooth transitions for staff within the evolving landscape of library services. Katia approaches each challenge with a consistently calm demeanor and focus on achieving the best outcome for her staff and the institution.