Models of Excellence Award

Since 1999, this award has recognized staff member accomplishments that reflect the University’s principles through initiative, leadership, increased efficiency, and a deep commitment to service. 

Congratulations, 2025 Models of Excellence Program Honorees!

This year, 52 staff members were selected to receive awards. The Penn community will celebrate their outstanding efforts and achievements at the Models of Excellence ceremony on April 7, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Penn Museum, followed by a reception in the Chinese Rotunda

Registration is open for the April 7 ceremony and reception.

Quick Links

• 2025 Honoree List
• April 7 Ceremony and Reception RSVP

Models of Excellence Award Practices

The Selection Committee identifies individual staff members or teams who qualify for this award by their outstanding performance of these actions:

• Demonstrate extraordinary initiative and leadership on current challenges
• Provide outstanding inventive leadership to inspire others to make breakthroughs in their field and exercise Penn’s values and principles
• Exhibit deep commitment to service that exceeds the expectations of internal and external clients
• Collaborate within and across organizations to build relationships to interweave ideas and people and drive interdisciplinary excellence
• Personify Penn’s role as a Philadelphia neighbor or a global citizen

2025 Models of Excellence Honorees

Models of Excellence Award

The FAFSA Simplification Act Pilot Team

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act Pilot Team educated and trained students, families, staff, and faculty on the impact of changes to the FAFSA application process and federal funding. The team developed and presented educational sessions throughout campus, resulting in a seamless application process for students and families and achieving a positive revenue stream of over $250 million in federal funding for the University.

Sadia Abarry, Division of Finance
Bria Boddie, Division of Finance
Lyndsi Burcham, Division of Finance
Samantha Corsaro, Division of Finance
Jeffrey Greenberg, Division of Finance
Erick Herrera, Division of Finance
Amy Hooper, Division of Finance
Joseph Manning, Division of Finance
Hannah McKeever, Division of Finance
Lissette Patterson, Division of Finance
Nicole Soroka, Division of Finance
Mathias Stangl-Riehle, Division of Finance
Thomas Stewart, Division of Finance
Elaine Papas Varas, Division of Finance
Jodi Wagner, Division of Finance

Diana Johnson, Graduate School of Education (GSE)

Diana Johnson, Executive Assistant for the Dean’s Office at GSE, exemplifies dedication as a steadfast supporter of multiple deans. She handles intricate schedules, sensitive matters, and cross-functional projects with grace. A cornerstone of the school’s culture, Diana shares a wealth of institutional knowledge. Her reassuring, approachable presence is highly valued by faculty and staff.

The Joint Research Practices (JRP) Working Group

The Joint Research Practices (JRP) Working Group is a collaboration between the Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics (CHIBE) and the Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center. The JRP develops and disseminates best practices for conducting research that welcomes people from all backgrounds and represents the community we serve.  The working group also provides free online resources and hands-on training on how to practice research in ways that build trust, promote fairness, and respect the experiences and contributions of all patients.  The goal of the JRP is to make academic research more accessible for everyone.

Lizzie Bair, Perelman School of Medicine
Shira Blady, Perelman School of Medicine
Emma Britez Ferrante, Perelman School of Medicine
Emily Campbell, Perelman School of Medicine
Brigit Joseph, Perelman School of Medicine
Craig Kwiatkowski, Perelman School of Medicine
Adina Lieberman, Perelman School of Medicine
Arleen Lopez Cruz, Perelman School of Medicine
Adam Mussell, Perelman School of Medicine
Nirali Patel, Perelman School of Medicine
Sara Riaz, Perelman School of Medicine
Jonathan Richards, Perelman School of Medicine
Devon Schroeder, Perelman School of Medicine
Conor Shatto, Perelman School of Medicine
Dorothy Sheu, Perelman School of Medicine
Jingsan Zhu, Perelman School of Medicine

Leslie M. Levin, Graduate School of Education (GSE)

Leslie M. Levin, Vice Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs in GSE, unified all centralized student services under one cohesive umbrella. She created systems and processes to maintain strong enrollment and provide the highest-quality experience to students. She plays a crucial role by prioritizing a culture of service to ensure that GSE offers students appropriate guidance and support.

Mental Health Co-Responder Program

The Mental Health Co-Responder Program is designed to enhance the University’s response to urgent student mental health emergencies during overnight and weekend hours. The program reduces stigma and potential barriers to accessing necessary emergency care for students in crisis. The team successfully expanded upon the virtual co-responder model to incorporate professional, in-person mental health services to provide a safe, efficient experience for students as well as emergency responders.

Michael Belisairo, Division of Public Safety
Beverly Carter- Fulmore, Human Resources
Benoit Dubé, Health and Wellness
Joseph W. Ferdman, Division of Public Safety
Tamara Greenfield King, Student Services
William Melleby, School of Dental Medicine
Nora Nienhagen Greenberg, Division of Public Safety
Jasmine Owens, Division of Public Safety
Paige Wigginton, Division of Public Safety
Derrick E. Wood, Division of Public Safety

Cindy Nguyen, School of Arts and Sciences (SAS)

Cindy Nguyen, Information Technology Support Specialist in SAS, is the go-to person for institutional knowledge and serves as a pivotal member of the Knowledge Management team within SAS Computing. Cindy has solidified many new standard processes and stands out as an excellent example of genuine dedication to the community.  She embodies the goal of helping researchers get their work done.

Bob Paul, Wharton School

Bob Paul, Senior Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations at the Wharton School, inspires his team to exceed fundraising targets through collaboration, integrity, and strategic vision. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing interdisciplinary initiatives, including Wharton’s AI and Environmental, Social, and Governance efforts. With over a decade of service, Bob's empathy and trust-based relationships with stakeholders have set him apart, while his mentorship has fostered team growth and development.