Second annual Staff Distinction Awards commend the ‘unsung heroes’ of the School of Medicine
Four individuals and one team, representing many departments and units, were recognized for their contributions.
Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D, dean of the School of Medicine (far left) and Paul Peterson, interim senior associate dean for finance and administration (far right), with Excellence in Collaboration awardees Chuck Alexander (center left) and Eric Ellis at the 2025 Staff Distinction Awards (Photo by Arda Athman, School of Medicine)
On May 14, more than 80 School of Medicine community members gathered in the Bruce Oliver Auditorium Tucker to honor their colleagues. For the second year in a row, the Staff Distinction Awards recognized the achievements of School of Medicine staff members and honored their outstanding contributions to the school’s mission.
Paul Peterson, interim senior associate dean for finance and administration, described the nominees and recipients of this year’s awards “our unsung heroes.”
“It’s a great privilege and honor to celebrate you all today,” Peterson said at the start of the awards ceremony. “You are the backbone of our institution, a central cog that keeps things running.”
Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine, joined in Peterson’s sentiment, thanking the staff at-large for their commitment and contributions to the School of Medicine. He emphasized the often-invisible work staff members do and expressed appreciation for those that go above and beyond to ensure operations run smoothly.
“In a world, sometimes you can feel anonymous, but someone in this room has noticed you,” Saavedra said. “You’re important because someone needs you.”
Individual Excellence Awards
Four Individual Excellence Awards were presented to a single recipient each.
Kristin Canipe, RN
Simulation Educator,
Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety
“Kristin is always driving and pushing us to be better versions of our simulation and interdisciplinary selves. She is the person behind the scenes that helps make things run and provides gentle nudges to get us from A to B.”
Jody Hedstrom
Senior Program Specialist,
Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development
“Jody demonstrates unwavering commitment to the School of Medicine’s success. She is a reliable and knowledgeable resource, possessing exceptional organizational teamwork and technology skills. She is the essential force behind the seamless execution of critical initiatives.”
Denny Henson
Education Administrator,
Practice of Clinical Medicine
“No matter what the situation, you always encounter the same, authentic version of Denny. He is always kind, professional, displays a welcoming attitude and is willing to help in any situation.”
Tom Myrick
Project Manager,
School of Medicine Web and Communications Team
“Tom is the ultimate team player. He’s willing to roll up his sleeves and use his wide range of skills to do whatever it takes to get the job done. He’s both a player and a coach who never asks his team to do anything he couldn’t or wouldn’t.”
Excellence in Collaboration Award
One Excellence in Collaboration Award went to a team of two or more staff members.
Chuck Alexander
Education Systems Specialist,
Office of Medical Education
Eric Ellis
Director of Educational Systems and Analytics,
Office of Medical Education
“The efforts of these two individuals in the implementation of the educational curriculum systems has exceeded expectation of their goal. Their ongoing efforts to identify potential challenges and develop creative solutions, all while ensuring users have unlimited support and understanding their frustrations, have positively contributed to the Office of Medical Education and its commitment to faculty and learners.”
