Since 1999, Penn’s Models of Excellence program has recognized over 1,800 staff members. Now in its twenty-fifth year, Models of Excellence continues to act on the University’s principles by honoring the people who are the foundation of all we do.

Penn is pleased to announce the honorees for the 2024 Models of Excellence Program. This year, awards recognize 54 staff members from across Penn’s schools and centers. They were nominated for their outstanding work in the three award categories: Models of Excellence, Pillars of Excellence, and Model Supervisor. The 2024 Selection Committee worked diligently and objectively to review and rate all the submitted nominations and select this year’s honorees.

Each Models of Excellence, Pillars of Excellence, and Model Supervisor award winner will receive $500 and a symbolic award.

The honorees’ achievements will be celebrated in person on April 9, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Harrison Auditorium at the Penn Museum. A reception will be held after the ceremony in the Penn Museum’s Chinese Rotunda. 

At this Penn community celebration of distinguished staff, Interim President J. Larry Jameson, Provost John L. Jackson, Jr., senior executive vice president Craig Carnaroli, and senior vice president of human resources Jack Heuer will present Models of Excellence Awards on the Harrison Auditorium stage.

Learn about the 2024 honorees’ work at www.hr.upenn.edu/models, where you can download the 2024 Models of Excellence Honoree list.

Model Supervisors

• Erin Brown, Division of Human Resources
• Sharon Fleshman, University Life
• Jane Holahan, University Life
• Adam Roth-Saks, School of Social Policy and Practice

Pillars of Excellence

• Bill Dickson, Facilities and Real Estate Services
• Mary Marcopul, School of Arts and Sciences
• Leslie Vallhonrat, Penn Libraries
• Janell Wiseley, Development and Alumni Relations

Models of Excellence Award

• Kayla Clark, Perelman School of Medicine
• Abigail Kalkstein, School of Social Policy and Practice
• Lauren Rudick, University Life
• Teri Scott, Morris Arboretum & Gardens
• DEEPenn STEM Organizing Team
  • Christina Burton, School of Engineering and Applied Science
  • Annie Jeong, School of Engineering and Applied Science
  • Patricia Rea, School of Arts and Sciences
  • Ashley J. Wallace, Provost Interdisciplinary Programs
  • Abreeotta J. Williams-Jones, School of Engineering and Applied Science
• Let's Talk Team
  • William Atkins, University Life
  • Zaida Bryant, Provost’s Center
  • Batsirai Bvunzawabaya, Penn Wellness
  • Mary Kate Coghlan, Penn Wellness
  • Krista Cortes, University Life
  • Valerie De Cruz, University Life
  • Benoit Dubé, Penn Wellness
  • Bramble Heidt, Penn Wellness
  • Jane Holahan, University Life
  • Jasmine R. Johnson, Penn Wellness
  • Tex Kang, Penn Libraries
  • Steve Kocher, Chaplain’s Office
  • Marc A. Lo, Penn First Plus
  • Chelsea Minsky, Penn Wellness
  • Kaden Moriarty, Penn Wellness
  • Malik Muhammad, University Life
  • Nicole Nardone, Penn Wellness
  • Brian Peterson, University Life
  • Marian Reiff, Penn Wellness
  • Morgen Rosen, Division of Recreation & Intercollegiate Athletics
  • Julia Saul, Penn Wellness
  • Steve Scaduto, Penn Libraries
  • Alaina Spiegel, Penn Wellness
  • Yacob Tekie, Penn Wellness
  • Miao Tian, Penn Wellness
  • Meredith Wooten, Graduate Student Center
  • Derik Yager-Elorriaga, Penn Wellness
  • Tianhong “Jojo” Yao, Penn Wellness
• Penn Cooks
  • Kristin Cummings, Residential and Hospitality Services
  • Pamela Lampitt, Residential and Hospitality Services
  • Barbara Lea-Kruger, Business Services
  • Thomas MacDonald, Residential and Hospitality Services
  • Ted Morrin, Residential and Hospitality Services
• PVP Consent Circles Team
  • Reema Malhotra Phillips, University Life
  • Julie Millisky, University Life
  • Tyler Rizzo, University Life
  • Elise Scioscia, University Life

If you have any questions about the program or the awards ceremony, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/models or contact Karen Kille, manager,  of quality of work-life programs  in Human Resources at karener@upenn.edu or (215) 898-7729.