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Recognizing Outstanding Penn Staff Members with 2020 Models of Excellence Honors

At Penn, we recognize excellence in all areas of the University. In that spirit, the Models of Excellence program spotlights remarkable staff contributions to the University’s mission as a global leader in education, research and public service.

From a field of candidates nominated by coworkers and colleagues, 16 outstanding teams and individuals from Schools and Centers across the University were chosen to receive 2020 Models of Excellence honors. These 110 staff members embody the best in Penn community accomplishment. 

This year’s honorees are listed below in three categories: Models of Excellence, Pillars of Excellence and Model Supervisors. Each Models of Excellence, Pillars of Excellence and Model Supervisor Award winner and winning team member will receive $500 and a symbolic award. Staff members who have earned Honorable Mentions will receive $250 and a symbolic award.

On Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 4 p.m., President Amy Gutmann, Provost Wendell Pritchett, Executive Vice President Craig R. Carnaroli and Vice President Jack Heuer will present the awards at Penn’s 21st annual Models of Excellence ceremony in Irvine Auditorium. The whole Penn community is welcome to attend the celebration. Visit www.hr.upenn.edu/models to learn more about this year’s honorees, for ceremony details and to learn how you can nominate a coworker for this prestigious award.

—Division of Human Resources

2020 Models of Excellence Honorees

Models of Excellence

The Models of Excellence Award recognizes staff member accomplishments that reflect initiative, leadership, increased efficiency and a deep commitment to service. This year’s Models of Excellence awardees are: 

Kyle Cassidy, Annenberg School

Penn Museum Sphinx Move Team 

  • Anne Brancati, Penn Museum
  • Kevin M. Cahail, Penn Museum
  • Edgardo Esteves, Penn Museum
  • Molly Gleeson, Penn Museum
  • Lynn Grant, Penn Museum
  • Brian J. Houghton, Penn Museum
  • Anna O’Neill Alexander, Penn Museum
  • Robert Thurlow, Penn Museum
  • Jennifer Houser Wegner, Penn Museum

Transform Penn’s Data Center Team

  • Daniel Bachovin, Sr., ISC
  • Dave Cohen, ISC
  • Joseph Demarest, ISC
  • Jeffrey Edwards, ISC
  • Steven Fredricks, ISC
  • Tiffany Hanulec, ISC
  • Gregory Hartley, ISC
  • Donna M. Jacobs, ISC
  • Dante Keyes, ISC
  • Shijoy Mathew, ISC
  • Dave Mongeluzi, ISC
  • James Renfro, ISC
  • James Patrick Riley, ISC
  • Maria Perlita Roberts Reyes, ISC
  • Charles Rumford, ISC
  • Kent Whiting, ISC
  • Thomas Yoo, FRES

Models of Excellence Honorable Mentions

Victor Adams, Division of Finance

Campus Express New Student Experience Team 

  • Mark Aseltine, Business Services 
  • Christopher Bradie, Business Services
  • Barbara Lea-Kruger, Business Services
  • Ann Weinstein, Business Services

LPS Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences Team

  • Christopher Angelucci, SAS
  • Ursula Bechert, SAS
  • Dave Bieber, SAS
  • Aaron Boczkowksi, SAS
  • Yvette Bordeaux, SAS
  • Leona Brandwene, SAS
  • Mary Bustamante, SAS
  • Jacqueline Candido, SAS
  • Clayton Colmon, SAS
  • Angelina Conti, SAS
  • Sara Davis, SAS
  • Benjamin Filreis, SAS
  • Ilene Ford, SAS
  • Michael Griego, SAS
  • Joseph Hallman, SAS
  • Susan Hassett, SAS
  • Caitlin Hier, SAS
  • Zachary Humenik, SAS
  • Betsy Jane Kells, SAS
  • Jaime Kelly, SAS
  • Tomea Knight, SAS
  • Jen Kollar, SAS
  • Meryl Krieger, SAS
  • Sarah Libros, SAS
  • Jeffrey Lyons, SAS
  • John MacDermott, SAS
  • Marsha Mallet, SAS
  • Sarah Masino, SAS
  • Jason Matjasic, SAS
  • Elizabeth Matthew, SAS
  • Rita McGlone, SAS
  • Jacqueline McLaughlin, SAS
  • Melissa Moore, SAS
  • Amy Mulhern, SAS
  • Debra Murphy, SAS
  • Kristine Rabberman, SAS
  • Brittany Robertson, SAS
  • Anna Safford, SAS
  • Samantha Sangenito, SAS
  • Leigh Anne Scarborough, SAS
  • Joe Schaffner, SAS
  • Daniel Shields, SAS
  • Kristin Sowden, SAS
  • Raymond Taylor, SAS
  • Donna Tomlinson, SAS
  • Kathy Urban, SAS
  • Christopher Veitz, SAS
  • Levester Williams, SAS
  • Miriam Wright, SAS

Forerunner Team

  • Rodolfo Altamirano, Penn Global
  • Batsirai Bvunzawbaya, Student Services
  • Chinedu (Ocek) Eke, SEAS
  • S. Sonya Gwak, SEAS
  • Imani Harvin, GSE
  • Yuhong He, Student Services
  • Sarah Peyton Kaufman, GSE
  • Soumya Madabhushi, Student Services
  • Amy Nichols, Wharton School
  • Elisabeth O’Connell, Provost’s Center
  • Zoe (Zhe) Qiao, Wharton School
  • Patricia Rea, SAS
  • Julianne Reynolds, Student Services
  • Sharon Smith, Student Services
  • Ann E. Tiao, GSE
  • Peter Van Do, Student Services
  • Ryan Villanueva, Penn Global
  • Rebecca Yao, Student Services
  • Li (Lily) Zhang, Penn Global
  • Laura Tepper, Penn Law DAR

Matthew Valenti, Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics

Pillars of Excellence

The Pillars of Excellence Award recognizes the important support Penn’s weekly-paid staff members provide to promote the University’s mission. This year’s Pillars of Excellence awardees are: 

Jamie Apgar, HR 

Christopher Ferraiolo & Michah Mack, Wharton School

Seth J. Fitzgerald, FRES 

Ada Lawry, Residential and Hospitality Services

Model Supervisors

The Model Supervisor Award honors supervisors who are effective and productive leaders for the University. This year’s awardee is:

Leigh Gantz, PSOM 

Model Supervisor Honorable Mentions

Rebecca Lerario, PSOM 

Ryan Miller, Student Services 

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