Dear colleagues,
Our School of Medicine faculty and staff are committed to serving, educating, mentoring and healing. It was gratifying to see this dedication recognized at a university level during last week’s 50th annual service recognition celebration reception, which commemorates faculty and staff reaching milestones in 5-year increments.
This year, Dr. Enrique Gerszten, emeritus professor of pathology and director of the Paleopathology Research Laboratory, celebrated a landmark 60 years of service to our school and health system.
Dr. Gerszten told VCU News: “It was an honor to start the ride as a resident in pathology and end as a part-time emeritus professor. All the deans and chairs with whom I have had the privilege to work, although with different styles, made important contributions to the School of Medicine.”
We also were thrilled that several of our School of Medicine and SOM-affiliated staff were honored with President's Awards for Professional and Administrative Distinction.
Ann-marie Taranto, our school’s HR business partner, and Katie Golob, administrator for the Department of Surgery, received the Danny Woodward President’s Award for Service Excellence. Both Ann-marie and Katie epitomize the characteristics this award serves to recognize, building strong relationships, resolving concerns in a positive and sensitive manner, and displaying a positive attitude even under the most difficult of circumstances.
In addition, Crystal Finegan, a program support assistant for the VCU Trauma Program, received the Dorris Douglas Budd Award. This award honors a VCU or VCU Health administrative office support staff member who is reliable, innovative, decisive and service-oriented.
Congratulations to all the faculty and staff honored during this event. What you do every day is vital to the mission of our school and health system and has a positive impact on so many lives. Thank you for your continued dedication and service.
With gratitude,
