Penn’s Models of Excellence program recently honored over 70 staff members for their outstanding contributions to the University. This initiative, running for 27 years, lets the Penn community celebrate remarkable achievements in three categories: Models of Excellence, Pillars of Excellence, and Model Supervisor. A formal ceremony will take place on June 1 to recognize these honorees.
The awards highlight individuals and teams that embody the University’s core values. In 2023, former Penn President Liz Magill introduced the “In Principle and Practice” framework to guide future planning at the University. Current President Larry Jameson has built upon this framework in his strategic plan revealed last September.
The selection process for the awards was thorough. A committee evaluated all nominations and chose this year’s awardees. “Penn Human Resources thanks the 59 nominators and over 100 reference providers for their dedication to this program,” noted a University publication.
Among the winners is Penn’s Federal Research Transition Team, recognized for its swift and creative response to federal funding cuts. In February 2025, the National Institutes of Health announced a 15% funding reduction, threatening $240 million in federal support for Penn. Jameson described this situation as having “serious implications” for the university’s research efforts.
Honorees also include staff from various departments like the School of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine. Teams from the Penn Medicine Standardized Patient Program and the Penn Advanced Research Computing Center are among those receiving awards this year.
Each award includes a $500 grant and an engraved keepsake. The awards ceremony will be attended by University leaders, including Jameson and Vice President of Human Resources Felicia Washington. “These staff members deserve recognition alongside our esteemed faculty and alumni,” Washington remarked last year. “They show us the power of our principles in action.”
This program not only honors individual achievements but also reflects the ongoing commitment to excellence within the University community. Statistics show that employee recognition boosts morale and productivity, reinforcing the importance of such initiatives in organizational health. In today’s competitive environment, celebrating hard work and dedication—from federal research teams to everyday staff—has never been more vital.
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