This spring and summer, Penn faculty and staff found new ways to carry on the University’s proudest traditions, including the Models of Excellence Awards. The Models of Excellence Award Program celebrates the outstanding achievements of full- and part-time staff members and teams throughout the University’s schools and centers.

This fall, Penn’s long-standing recognition program will continue to highlight the best in staff commitment and achievement with the 2021 call for nominations. Nomination submissions will be accepted through October 23.

The online nomination form and guide are available at www.hr.upenn.edu/models. Refer to the Quick Start Guide to Submitting a Nomination to make the process easier.

You can nominate individual Penn staff members and teams for an award in these categories:

Models of Excellence Award—recognizes staff member accomplishments that reflect initiative, leadership, increased efficiency, and a deep commitment to service.

Model Supervisor Award—honors supervisors who are effective and productive leaders for the University.

Pillars of Excellence Award—recognizes the important support Penn’s weekly-paid staff members provide to promote the University’s mission.

Sustaining Penn Through COVID-19—For 2021 only, this category was created in recognition of extraordinary staff efforts to continue education and research in the face of the pandemic.

In each category, award recipients each receive $500 and a symbolic award. Nominees selected for honorable mention receive $250 and a symbolic award. Awards will be announced and the honorees celebrated in the spring of 2021.

The Models of Excellence Selection Committee bases their choices on the content of your nominations, so your participation is crucial. Learn how to submit a nomination that conveys the exceptional work of your colleagues by attending a virtual How to Write a Models of Excellence Nomination information session. Two sessions will be held on:

• Tuesday, September 29, noon-1 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 13, noon-1p.m.

Register at www.hr.upenn.edu/models-infosession or models@hr.upenn.edu. 

While the way we work has changed, Penn’s standards remain high. In spite of unprecedented obstacles, staff members not only met those standards, but frequently surpassed them. If you know a staff member or team who exemplify this spirit, don’t miss this opportunity to share their story with the entire Penn community. Nominate them for a Models of Excellence program by October 23.

Visit the Models of Excellence Program webpage for more information. 

—Division of Human Resources