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2023 Staff Appreciation Celebration

Staff Celebration 2023

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, Palo Alto University (PAU) expressed sincere appreciation and recognition for the remarkable contributions of staff members. Congratulations to our amazing colleagues and thank you for your dedication and commitment to PAU!

Years of Service Awards

1 Year of Service

Diana Hernandez, PhD

Stephanie Storms, EdD

Yvette Walkinshaw

Tania Romero

John Mathewson

Lnet Smith

Hilary Kluczynski

Sharon Brock

Chloe Corcoran

3 Years of Service

Erin Heinemeyer

Jasmine Su

Mahesh Kapu

Jeff Harr

Staff Celebration 2023

5 Years of Service

Maija Nichols

Blanca Pineda

Rebecca Levy

7 Years of Service

Renee Marquett, PhD

10 Years of Service

April House

20 Years of Service

Scott Hines

35 Years of Service

Nora Marquez

Outstanding Innovation in Advancing the University’s Strategic Plan (Team Award)

CAPS

The Outstanding Innovation in Advancing the University’s Strategic Plan Award demonstrates the integration of any one or multiple of the University’s Strategic Pillars. This award recognizes and honors any team (committee, department, office or working group) of staff who have made exceptional contributions to advancing PAU’s value of Innovation and “seeks to find and create new pathways for learning, knowledge development, understanding, and solutions” toward PAU’s success. All members of this team have exemplified collaboration and/or cross-divisional teamwork.  

Strive for Success Award (Excellence & Integrity)

Samiyah Wright

PAU’s values of Excellence and Integrity push us “to do our best in every pursuit undertaken individually or collectively, challenging ourselves to the next level of accomplishment, offering and receiving support, training and professional development with a spirit of collaboration, and maintaining a clear institutional focus on PAU’s areas of recognized strength.” Building on the value of Excellence & Integrity, this award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates their commitment to advising and/or mentoring fellow staff members. The Strive for Success Award recognizes individuals who have provided support to others in defining and/or developing steps/skills toward professional development and success.  

Staff Celebration 2023

PAU Pride Community Engagement Award (Community)

Carlie Belmodis

This award recognizes an outstanding staff member who carries PAU with pride. They have gone above and beyond their day-to-day job duties and responsibilities to: 1) provide quality customer service to students, faculty, and fellow colleagues, 2) promotes community engagement through synergy and collaboration and 3) demonstrates PAU’s value of Community in “finding satisfaction in celebrating our accomplishments as a university community.”

Innovation in Equity & Inclusion Award 

Alaina Dunn

The Innovation in Equity & Inclusion Award is given to a staff member who takes an active role towards making exceptional DEIB contributions that enhance and support the University’s goal toward creating Inclusive Excellence within the PAU community. This person truly demonstrates PAU’s value of Equity & Inclusion by “respecting the dignity of each person, embrace respectful discussion that honors the unique contributions of every individual, and work together to actively create a diverse and inclusive community…”

Staff Celebration 2023

The Compassion Award (Compassion)

Jammela Ali

As a social justice institution, PAU’s value of Compassion allows us to “...act first with compassion in all that we do, leaning into our humanity as we consider our interactions and connections with one another, those we serve and the field that we support.” The Compassion Award acknowledges staff who uplifts and encourages the PAU community consistently.