myHR: March 12, 2025

2025 Models of Excellence Award Program Honorees

Penn’s Models of Excellence program has recognized over 1,800 staff members for their accomplishments since it began in 1999. Now in its 26th year, Models of Excellence continues to honor the people who are the foundation of all we do.

This spring, 52 staff members will receive Models of Excellence Program awards for 2025. The work of these individuals and teams exemplifies the University’s principles and practices.

During the Models of Excellence call for nominations last fall, members of the Penn Community submitted an unprecedented number of nominations. The 2025 Selection Committee worked diligently and objectively to review and rate all the Models of Excellence nominations and select this year’s honorees. Penn Human Resources is grateful for the 62 nominators and the Committee’s time, contribution, and commitment to this program.

Each award-winning staff member will receive $500 and an engraved keepsake. 

Award Celebration on April 7, 2025

The Penn community will celebrate the honorees’ outstanding efforts and achievements at the Models of Excellence ceremony on April 7, 2025, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Harrison Auditorium at the Penn Museum, followed by a reception. President J. Larry Jameson, Provost John L. Jackson, Jr., Senior Executive Vice President Craig R. Carnaroli, and Vice President of Human Resources Felicia A. Washington will present the awards on stage. Please register by April 3.

Learn about the 2025 honorees’ amazing work at www.hr.upenn.edu/models or download the 2025 Models of Excellence Honoree list.

These honorees were selected for their outstanding work in three categories: Models of Excellence, Pillars of Excellence, and Model Supervisor.

Models of Excellence Award

Seven Models of Excellence nominees are being recognized for their creativity, leadership, initiative, extraordinary service, and dedication to cost-effectiveness from among 39 compelling team and individual nominations.

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 R. McKeever, Division of Finance
• Lissette Patterson, Division of Finance
• Nicole Soroka, Division of Finance
• Mathias Stangl-Riehle, Division of Finance
• Tom Stewart, Division of Finance
• Elaine Papas Varas, Division of Finance
• Jodi Wagner, Division of Finance
  

Diana A. Johnson, Graduate School of Education (GSE)Diana A. 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 J. 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 of 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. 

Pillars of Excellence Award

The Pillars of Excellence nominees are being recognized for the strong foundation and important contributions of our staff in support roles who are pillars of the institution. We received nine nominations in this category; three staff are being honored. 

Anthony DeValerio, Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES)
Anthony DeValerio, Chargeperson in FRES, oversees the operation and maintenance of all campus cooling and refrigerant‐based systems. He ensures reliable performance across the University's infrastructure, which includes two centralized chilled water plants and an extensive 16‐mile underground distribution network. Anthony's outstanding implementation of corrective, preventative, and predictive maintenance strategies has maximized system performance and reliability, which supports the University’s mission by providing a comfortable, efficient, and sustainable environment for learning and research.

Weining Guo, Student Services
Weining Guo, Senior Application Developer in Student Services, is a driving force in redesigning the technical infrastructure for departments across the University Life division. Her work has drastically increased the capacity and efficiency of the division and improved the user experience for both students and staff. Weining was vital in developing University Life’s account management portal, a critical tool that provides technical access to new and existing staff, automating several essential processes to free up the technical team for other initiatives. Weining has increased the technical security and stability of the University Life division.

Hitomi Yoshida, Student Services
Hitomi Yoshida, Financial Administrative Coordinator at the Penn Women's Center (PWC), manages the Center’s financial activities. She was instrumental in re‐engaging the Penn community after COVID impacted the center's initiatives, to create a space where students and colleagues feel comfortable coming to the center for programs and individual support. Hitomi created more leadership opportunities for work‐study students, empowering them to organize programming aligned with their passions and the PWC mission. Hitomi also streamlined financial processes to help student organizations revitalize and grow their programs. 

Model Supervisor Award

The Model Supervisor category received 14 nominations for 2025. Four are being honored for acting as leaders who serve and other outstanding work. 

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.

If you have any questions about the program or the awards ceremony, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/models or feel free to contact Karen Kille, Manager, Quality of Work-Life Programs, Human Resources at karener@upenn.edu or (215) 898-7729.

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Be in the Know Rewards Reminder

What feels better than finding lost cash in your laundry? Remembering to use your Be in the Know Rewards Cash! You deserve to enjoy all the benefits of wellness activities that help your mind and body feel better, including all your Be in the Know wellness campaign earnings.

Penn’s Be in the Know wellness campaign allows you to earn rewards for activities that mean the most to you and your health. Once you’ve earned Rewards Cash, it’s easy to redeem them on the Personify Health (formerly Virgin Pulse) platform. You have plenty of options, from cool fitness items to gift cards and charitable donations!

To redeem your rewards, sign in at Penn's Personify Health Platform. Look for the Home tab on the main page and click on Rewards from the drop-down menu. Your total balance will appear on the left side of the screen.

Once on the Rewards page, click the Spend tab to bring up three categories of reward options. Choose from:

• Shop the Store for wellness items (such as fitness trackers) 
• Get a Gift Card (buy a gift card from available retail and VISA options)
• Donate it (make a donation to a wide variety of charities)

Follow the prompts, including the amount of rewards you wish to spend from your available balance. Be sure to click Submit to confirm your purchase. A confirmation email will be sent to the address you used to register on the Personify Health platform. You’ll need this confirmation email for gift card purchases and charitable donations. 

Rewards Start with Your Biometric Screening

Completing a biometric screening is an essential step for Be in the Know 2024-2025. It is the only activity required to receive Rewards Cash, including $75 Rewards Cash for your screening. Biometric screenings also provide you with key indicators about your health and professional feedback on the meaning of your results. 

This spring, the Penn Healthy You team, in partnership with Health Advocate, will again offer quick, no-cost on-campus biometric screenings on March 18 and 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Houston Hall in the Bodek Lounge. Advanced registration is required, so sign up for your appointment online at Penn’s Health Advocate portal. Log in with your PennKey and password, and follow these steps:

• Click the “HEALTH” tab at the top, then “Health Screenings”.
• Look for “Schedule an Onsite Health Screening” – then click “Schedule Now”.
• Select your preferred appointment location and follow the steps to make your appointment.

(If you completed an on-campus screening in fall 2024, you won’t be able to register for a new appointment. However, you will be able to view those screening results.)

For complete Be in the Know campaign details, including more ways to support your health, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/beintheknow.

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Year-end Performance Reviews to Launch April 1

Starting April 1, staff can access the year-end performance review process to start their self-evaluation in Workday. Penn’s performance review cycle in Workday requires two reviews per year, in the fall and spring. The spring review looks back at a 12-month period to review goals, feedback questions, competencies, and professional development.

The performance review, which is required for every Penn staff member, is an ideal opportunity for staff and managers to start or continue conversations about career growth and talent development. Workday gives staff members a tool for documenting and sharing their goals, achievements, and challenges along with their performance review meetings. Taking the time for these discussions shows the importance of the individual and individual’s job to the success of the team, department, school or center, and Penn’s mission.

The deadline to complete the review is June 10, so you and your manager will have sufficient time to complete the process.

Getting Ready: What You Can Do Now
Here are some activities to help you get ready to complete your upcoming reviews.  

• Plan to complete the self-evaluation well in advance of the June 10 deadline to provide time for the manager evaluation and the performance review meeting. Individual schools and centers may communicate a more specific interim deadline.
• Review the Workday Performance Management Guide for links to more detail and how-to resources.
• Schedule a performance review meeting with your manager and each staff member who reports to you.
• Begin talking with your manager about goal management to kick off the annual performance review cycle for FY25. Goals can be modified or entered in your Workday profile at any time. See the Goals and Performance tip sheet.
• Consider using the optional Workday check-in feature to document some of your regularly scheduled meetings or project updates with your manager.
  

When you log in to Workday starting on April 1, you will see links to the year-end performance review in the Awaiting Your Action section of the homepage.

Rating Competencies and Performance

The year-end review process requires ratings for each of the 10 competencies as well as for overall performance. The staff member provides these ratings in the self-evaluation, then the manager will provide ratings during the manager evaluation.

The University uses a robust set of competencies in performance management. Each staff member has 10 competencies: five are common to everyone as University-required competencies and five are related to an individual’s job family. Competencies are observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. The ratings for each of the competencies has a three-point scale:

• Needs Improvement
• Meets Expectations
• Exceeds Expectations
  

The rating for overall performance has four options:

1. Does not meet expectations—Did not meet most goals and/or often fell short of standards for timeliness, quality, and/or resource utilization.
2. Meets some but not all expectations—Acceptable performance overall, though did not meet some goals or sometimes fell short of standards for timeliness, quality, and/or resource utilization.
3. Fulfills expectations—Successfully met all goals, consistently meeting standards for timeliness, quality, and/or resource utilization.
4. Exceeds expectations—Successfully met all goals and regularly surpassed standards for timeliness, quality, and/or resource utilization.
   

To learn more, register for one of these upcoming virtual information sessions:

Participating in Performance Appraisals for Staff, April 2, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Conducting Performance Appraisals for Supervisors, April 3, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the Penn Employee Solution Center online, by email at solutioncenter@upenn.edu, or by phone at 215-898-7372.

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Master the Art of Efficient Email Writing

With email inboxes overflowing, you may only have seconds to grab someone’s attention and make sure your message is understood. The Writing Emails that Get to the Point workshop on April 8 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. helps provide solutions to this challenge by providing tips on how to write emails that relay the message in a more efficient manner.

Led by Talent and Organizational Development Consultant Manroocha Singh, this free, virtual workshop, will discuss effective email writing. From understanding your audience to crafting straightforward and professional prose, Writing Emails that Get to the Point will equip you with the skills to compose messages with confidence.

“People are bombarded with emails--from the moment they log in, to throughout the night after they have signed out. Improving clarity can ensure that your message has the best chance of being received, while also being respectful of everyone's time,” says Singh.

Singh says you can avoid crafting confusing emails by “using bulleting and other formatting hacks, as well as labelling parts of your email and ensuring you have a clear ask/next action step.”

Register today for this engaging session and learn how to quickly create powerful messages with your specific audience and goals in mind. 

For more information about Penn’s Talent Development programs, visit the Learn and Grow webpages on the HR website.

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Healthy Meals: Spring Vegetable Skillet

This vegetable-packed, one-pan rice dish is a quick and flavorful meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. With a vibrant mix of colorful veggies, it’s both satisfying and nourishing. It requires minimal prep time, so it’s perfect on busy weeknights for a light, healthy dinner.

Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 3 medium radishes, chopped
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 1/2 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1/4 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup brown rice, uncooked 

Directions

1. Wash and cut all vegetables. Make sure to scrub radishes with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt.
2. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Pour olive oil into the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. The oil is heated when you see small, rapid bubbles forming on its surface.
4. Add all the vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the rice to the same pan and sauté for another 5 minutes.
6. Add the spice mixture and vegetable broth to the pan and stir to combine. Turn the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
7. The meal will be ready when the liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender.

Meet With a Registered Dietitian Today!

• One-on-one, virtual sessions you can schedule at any time that works for you
• 100% covered under many insurance plans
• Available to spouses and dependents
• Fill out the Ramp Health Nutrition Counseling Sign Up Form or call 800-484-7720.

Did You Know: Spring Be in the Know Biometric Screenings Coming Soon

Penn’s 2024-2025 Be in the Know wellness campaign is offering free, on-campus biometric screenings on March 18 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Houston, Hall, Bodek Lounge. The screenings are open to benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and postdocs. Advanced registration is required through the Health Advocate portal. For more information, visit the Be in the Know website.