Penn Coworker Gratitude Wall 2025 by

To Tiffini Sykes, Courtney Summers, Nakia Backers at the Department of Family Medicine & Community Health from Felix Altagracia

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 16:53:50 UTC

We all bring laughter into every conversation, no matter how serious the topic may be. In our team, our humanity is just as valuable as our output, and I think that's a rare and precious thing in corporate environments.

To Laura Deen, Kelsey Hamer, Matt Jastremski in WRDS from Matt Cohen

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 16:55:31 UTC

Thank you for being on top of every detail of our operations. You anticipate every question before it's asked and have the answers documented and at your fingertips.

To Elisabeth Colella at the Annenberg Public Policy Center

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 16:57:06 UTC

Not only do I appreciate what a good worker Biz is, I am astounded by her ability to manage all that she has going on outside of work (kids, school, etc.) in addition to her "work" work. She is an amazing human being and fun and funny to boot, and I am so glad to be able to interact with her every day.

To Teri Purnell at Morris Arboretum

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 16:58:19 UTC

I so appreciate Teri for the way she interacts with staff and guests. She has a knack for getting the point across with grace and compassion.

To EHRS Team from Maureen Malachowski

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 17:56:08 UTC

I appreciate that the EHRS team is on campus every day and on call to support the health and wellbeing of everyone at Penn. They work extra hours to accommodate projects and to address shift work and to make sure all faculty, staff, and employees are safe.

To Christine Rhodes at WXPN Finance from Carol Lerner

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 17:57:57 UTC

Christine is helpful to the entire WXPN organization. Having worked in several positions, Christine is a valuable resource when it comes to knowing the answer to an issue or how to get it and is always willing to help solve a new problem. Christine approaches her work with care and thought as well as joy and an appreciation for the mission of WXPN, which is to connect artists and audiences, and build, serve, and engage community.

To Fariha Khan, Catherine Bartch, Jorge Téllez, Rupa Pillai, Bakirathi Mani at ASAM and CLALS

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 18:00:30 UTC

What I appreciate most about my coworkers is their genuine support. They’re always ready to help, share their knowledge, and make everyone feel included. Their humanity, openness, and consistent respect for others create a work environment that truly feels like family.

To Jen, Emily, and Suzann in FRES Communications

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 18:03:31 UTC

I feel fortunate to work alongside a team that is not only highly competent and perceptive but also genuinely good-hearted. Walking into work and truly enjoying the people I collaborate with is a gift — and one that isn’t guaranteed everywhere. Because these interactions shape so much of our time throughout the year, I think it’s important to pause and appreciate how meaningful that is.

To the Forensics Manager at NBC Clinical Studies from Kathleen Boyajian O'Shea

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 18:09:21 UTC

Rachel cares about me as a person and employee. I feel empowered to be my authentic self at work without feeling the pressure to be perfect all the time. Rachel makes me feel like a valuable member of the organization and treats me with respect.

To Linda Lee, Becky Moulder, Geneva Harline, Nesha Patel, Taylor Kahny, Rob Ditto, Matthew Borlik, Justin Agnew, David Siedell at Wharton Computing from Val King

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 18:10:55 UTC

When they say teamwork makes the dream work — they are talking about our teams. None of us can be successful in what we do without the help of our knowledgeable team members, each with their own strengths and passions.

To Deneen Mack, Natalie Amalfitano, Mia O'Reilly at the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine from Faith Cortright

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 18:13:16 UTC

I am so grateful for each member of our team. As a small group of four, we function as one unit to strategize reaching our goals, give each other a safe space for input and ideas, and clearly communicate without judgement. This way of daily functioning has kept us moving forward, and every day I am proud to be surrounded by such amazing people.

To Nina Tretiakova (Sizova) at the Center for Cellular Immunotherapies

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 18:15:39 UTC

Nina's positivity makes her wonderful to work with. When issues arise, she's always willing to approach them head-on while maintaining a positive outlook. She's also very creative with her approach and has amazing attention to detail. She's someone you want on your team if you're trying to do the best possible work.

To Andy, Elaine, Chris, Xinyi, Brittany, Qijia, Kate, Feng Yi, Ying, Cecilia of the Annenberg Health Communication & Equity Lab from Katrina Saladin

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 18:28:02 UTC

It was a big transition [when I started] and the lab welcomed me with open arms and made Annenberg a home! Special shout out to Elaine and Chris, who showed me the ropes and were a support during this transition time. Couldn’t have done it without you two!

To Mindy Aaronson, Louise Pedraz, Elaine Spiro, Julie Van Duzer, Madison Macrone, Malorie Jagielski, Marianne Kozakiewicz, Tara Beckwith, Joy Ross, Lauren Dawkins Robinson, Aubrey Stueven in the HR Compensation Department

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 19:33:54 UTC

What I appreciate most about my team is the open, honest, and frequent communication we maintain with one another.... We have deep respect for one another and genuinely want to see everyone succeed, both individually and as a team. This combination of transparency, collaboration, and mutual support makes our work together especially effective and meaningful.

To Umair Abbasi in WRDS from Matt Cohen

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 20:11:30 UTC

I appreciate your enthusiasm for everything. Every time you come into the office, every project you work on comes with energy and excitement.

To Shane, Sary, Johanna, Taylor in the Department of Finance from Kristen Jacobs

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 20:25:17 UTC

I'm extremely proud of my team's work ethic, mindset of continuous improvement, and willingness to help others learn and expand their knowledge and skillset.

To All ISSS and Penn Global team members from Marilena Drakou

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 20:26:59 UTC

I want to express my sincere gratitude to each one of the ISSS team members for the warmth and support they have shown me since the day I joined. From the leadership team to every member, they made me feel truly welcomed and part of this incredible family....

To Mackenzie Kirsch Venkatadri in Development & Alumni Relations from Toni Capik

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 20:28:17 UTC

Mackenzie is effortlessly compassionate and kind while maintaining a heavy workload that she handles with ease and expertise. I always look forward to our interactions as she excels at making me feel heard and valued.

To The Dean's Queens in the School of Engineering & Applied Science from Jessica Templeton

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 20:31:56 UTC

The team is a group of truly kind-hearted individuals who always go above and beyond to help each other. They are consistently welcoming, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable asking for assistance. Whether it's lending a hand with a challenging task or offering support when needed, they are always willing to step in and make things easier. Their dedication and work ethic are truly inspiring, as they regularly put in extra effort to ensure the success of the team.

To: Susan Hassett in LPS from Jessica Feng

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 20:33:56 UTC

Susan is one of the most thoughtful and hard-working members of the team. She is so creative in her problem-solving and offers explanations in the kindest way. She is a pleasure to work with and every team deserves a person like Susan on it.

To Javon Robinson in Student Health from Joyce McNeill

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 20:35:22 UTC

Javon is always happy to help with any questions or concerns about referrals. Additionally, she is a team player. On numerous occasions, Javon has sprung to the aid of our gyn team, helping with tasks that fall outside of her work description. She is consistently professional and kind.

To Norge, Cindy, Zubair, Gordon, Karen, Jalal, Tom, Adi, Lina in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine from Roseann Wu

hrcomm — 2025-12-05 20:36:40 UTC

My coworkers are always ready to jump in and cover when someone has a conflict or emergency, and we share interesting and difficult cytopathology cases every morning. The collegiality within the group is one of the best parts about coming to work each day!

To Alicia Pickul from ElizabethTrasmundi

2025-12-10 15:53:39 UTC

[I appreciate] Alicia's ability to put anyone at ease and let them know they are heard and will do everything possible to solve or help to solve any issue - business or personal.

To Reginald Floyd, Charles Gant, and Barry Spencer

2025-12-10 16:02:41 UTC

I want to extend a special shout-out to the amazing members of the [PSOM] Space Planning and Operations team. Since the primary part of my work involves planning and running events, their role in setup and support is essential. They are always invaluable and dedicated to ensuring each event is set up to its best.

I truly appreciate the way they consistently go the extra mile—often without being asked. These guys do not miss a beat. Their professionalism and teamwork make a significant difference. Thank you, Chuck, Reggie, and Barry, for all that you do!

To Greg Johnson, Marcie Merz, Robin Todd, Sam Young, Colleen Eliisi, Christina Reichert, and DiAnna Sela (Office of Gift Planning, DAR) from Anne DeMesa

hrcomm — 2025-12-10 18:12:47 UTC

This team of content experts have a lot of heart as well as smarts when it comes to planned giving. Each one brings a unique set of skills and experience that enhance the donors' experiences with gifts of complex assets.

To Bob Paul and Amanda Heerwig (CFR, Wharton External Affairs) from Jorie Moss

hrcomm — 2025-12-10 18:14:59 UTC

Bob is the best manager I could ask for. He supports my professional growth, gives great feedback, and is a fantastic friend.

Amanda has such a caring heart, and is constantly thinking up ways to bring our office together in non-work ways (creating an office-wide pet calendar, organizing an annual holiday gift exchange, starting a book club to read a faculty's recent publication, etc.)

To Camille Desierto

hrcomm — 2025-12-10 18:19:54 UTC

I appreciate her patience, knowledge, and support.

To Marie Selvato from William Iamurri (Penn Transit)

hrcomm — 2025-12-10 18:32:25 UTC

The thing I appreciate the most is her knowledge and constant support for everything.

[I also appreciate the conversion of] our fleet to electric vehicles.

To Deborah Day from Tisa Scott

hrcomm — 2025-12-10 18:40:37 UTC

[Deborah is] willing to help her coworkers and students with concerns, training, and support.

To Melissa Englehardt, Fellowship Coordinator (Medicine/Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care) from Susan Turbitt

hrcomm — 2025-12-10 18:43:58 UTC

[Melissa] makes the fellows time here all the better.

I am appreciative to have the opportunity to help our faculty concentrate on taking care of patients.