Congratulations to those Celebrating Milestone Service Anniversaries!

We would like to congratulate those who are celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 60 years of service in October and November 2016.

Thank you for your service at SLU!

60 Years

• Maurice Green, Ph.D.

40 Years

• Denise M. Economon

30 Years

• Karen S. Baxter
• Kim R. Scharringhausen 
• Patricia L. Tapella
• Ann E. Tollefson, Ph.D. 
• Karen M. Wamhoff 

25 Years

• Yie-Hwa Chang Ph.D. 
• Tammy L. Grant, MBA 
• Thomas D. Patterson
• Alice M. Smith 

20 Years

• Patrick L. Gurry
• Glenda J. Jackson
• Adrinne C. Lacy
• Marian K. Linck 
• David J. Potochick 
• Vicki L. Shipp

15 Years

• Rhonda S. Arl
• Rama B. Atluri, M.D.
• Azra Blazevic 
• Rosemary B. Catanzaro
• Pearl M. Gaines
• Gabriel Isaiah
• Jill L. Jones 
• Kachina A. Jones
• Elaine G. Marschik
• Laurie A. Mosbacher 
• Nancy Solomon 
• Bridget K. Turner
• Kim Y. Whitley
• Laura A. Wiley
• LaDonna R. Willis

10 Years

• Naila A. Ahmad, M.D. 
• Anna R. Beasley
• Thomas M. Bender, M.D.
• Robert J. Blechle
• Nicole M. Burkemper, M.D. 
• Matthew E. Campbell
• Michelle Renee Dunham
• Todd M. Fallert
• Lakesha S. Fletcher
• Heather L. Freehill 
• Nikole L. Frietsch
• Darlene Gordon 
• Tyama Gray
• David J. Harris
• Richard W. Jones
• H. Matt McEuen
• Ashley E. Olendorff
• Mohhamed L. Omran, M.D. 
• Brenda S. Nelson
• Laytonya C. Sayles
• Nancy L. Shelley
• Charles R. Shelton 
• Kathy A. Stotler
• Cristiana F. Teodorescu, M.D.
• Julie A. Yeager Riley
• Sally M. Zetzman

5 Years

• Timothy P. Achee, M.A. 
• Sandra D. Adcock 
• Kelly L. Allmeyer
• Hemina Bailey, M.D.
• Michelle K. Beck 
• Paula M. Blois 
• Mark D. Breckenridge 
• Matthew A. Broom, M.D. 
• Jeffrey J. Brown, M.D.
• Maria I. Carriedo
• Eric W. Carron
• Darryl C. Cooper
• Richard A. Dunn
• Christine M. Fairchild 
• Amy K. Ficklen
• Christin P. Friederich 
• Michele D. Gentile
• Gerald T. Hayden
• Bertha M. Hollins
• Kimberly L. Holmes 
• Charles B. Huddleston, M.D. 
• Rebecca C. Hyde, M.L.S.
• Joshua W. Little, Ph.D.
• Brittany K. Ludwig 
• Deborah E. Massey
• Patricia A. Merod 
• Kevin P. McCandless
• Donna Marie McNamara 
• Brittany L. Nuspl 
• Ashley N. Reeb
• Tina M. Mays-Spratt 
• Joao Bosco R. Panattoni Filho, M.D. 
• Matthew W. Stoehner 
• Jamia S. Swift
• Zachary L. Varble
• Jula Veerapong, M.D. 
• Darryl E. Walker
• Junada M. Wilbourn
• Matthew P. Yates
• Amy A. Zitta 

Dr. Theresa Jeevanjee's Faith and Relentless Love

Theresa Jeevanjee, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, has written a book about her experience raising her handicapped son, Ryan. The book, Dear Ryan: Letters, Reflections, and Stories Sharing the Dance Through Life with a Handicapped Son, shares Theresa's thoughts and revelations about how faith and relentless love are what it takes to raise a handicapped child, or any child. Theresa writes, "it is my profound hope that everyone, whether living with a child with disabilities or not, learns that with hope, courage, faith, and a large dose of humor anything is possible. This book is meant as an emotional and practical resources for those who care for and love someone with a disability; although, truly, it is a book for everyone." Learn more about Theresa's journey and the book here.

2016 Hussmann International Business Awards Ceremony

On October 12, the 2016 Hussmann International Business Awards Ceremony, sponsored by the International Business Department and Tom & Kate Gunn, was be held. This year's honorees included:

• Gina Kowalczyk--Anheuser-Busch Global Business Scholar
• Hope Williams--BIIB Advisory Board 
• Xixian He--Bud Berman and Kellwood Company Global Business Scholar 
• Claire Titus-Ieronimo--Neil Seitz International Business Student Scholarship
• Miranda Koors--Novus Global Business Scholarship
• Fleur Maarse---Seung Kim International Business Scholarship
• Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson, President, Missouri Botanical Garden--2016 International Visionary Award
• Mr. Francois Fraudeau, CEO, Novus International--2016 Globalist Award

This event recognizes both outstanding undergraduate international business students and local professionals with a focus on international business. The requirements to be recognized as an undergraduate business student with a concentration in international business and a grade point average of 3.0 and above. The students selected were anonymously reviewed and ranked by a scholarship committee based on their academic, service, and professional achievements. The top applicants were selected for scholarships. The professional awardees are recognized as an international visionary and globalist of the year.

Francois Fraudeau, 2016 Globalist Award

 Peter Wyse Jackson, 2016 International Visionary Award

Debbie Dill Garvin Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Debbie Dill Garvin, Stewardship, who received a SLU Spark! Debbie was recognized by Kalen Reichert, Alumni Engagement, for pursuing excellence.

"Debbie Dill Garvin is a tireless servant leader who demonstrates her pursuit of excellence in everything she does, especially during Homecoming and Family Weekend (HCFW). We would be lost without her! Her HCFW binder is over 10" thick! She checked each event (30+) to make sure everything was right and if there was something missing, she jumped into action to make it right."

Cindy Bush Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Cindy Bush, Busch Student Center, who received a SLU Spark! Cindy was recognized by Maddie O'Connell, HR-Learning & Development, for serving others.

"Thank you Cindy for all of your assistance with finding a microphone for yesterday's breakfast event in the BSC! Although Cindy had not even sat down at her desk when I came up to her explaining that we were missing a microphone for a large event in which guests had already started arriving, she immediately dropped what she was doing to help. When the typical AV person was not available, she came down to explain and offer assistance in any way she could. At that point we had found a microphone, but Cindy's diligence to ensure we had what we needed was so appreciated. Thank you Cindy for your willingness to help, especially first thing in the morning!"

2016 Sista Strut Breast Cancer Walk

Over 100 SLU employees participated in the 2016 Sista Strut Breast Cancer Walk. The team, The SLU Fairy God Walkers was sponsored by the  Office of Diversity & Community Engagement and the SLU Cancer Center. Participants walked three miles on October 1, starting at Soldier's Memorial Museum in downtown St. Louis. Special thanks is extended to Drs. Freta and Smith. Way to go SLU Fairy God Walkers!

Click here for additional pictures taken by James W. Holzer, husband of Elizbaeth Holzer, Publications Writer in Marcom - University Communications.

Congratulations, Janice!

Congratulations to Janice Adamek, Licensed Counselor in the University Counseling Center, and husband Ben Gildehaus, on the birth of their first child, a boy, Soren Paul Gildehaus.

Soren was born on August 20 and weighed 8 pounds and 13 ounces.

Congratulations, Anna!

Congratulations to Anna Beasley, Director of HR Consulting & Client Services, and husband Jim Dibble, on the birth of their first child, a boy, Crosby Taylor Dibble.

Crosby was born on August 20 and weighed 8 pounds and 5 ounces.

Congratulations, Debbie!

Congratulations to Debbie Jones, Test Scheduler for Neurology, on the birth of her fifth grandchild, Rigley Raymond Guyer. Rigley was born on July 20 and weighed 8 pounds and 14 ounces.

Rigley joins siblings Harmony and Levi at home with parents Michelle and David Guyer of Monrovia, California.

Congratulations, Lenore!

Congratulations to Lenore Montgomery, Manager of the Bookstore, on her retirement. Lenore retired on September 16 after 22 years at SLU. She plans to keep busy by gardening, reading even more books, and spending time with her first grandchild due in November. 

ITS SaLUting You Recipients

Congratulations to the following members of ITS for being recognized with the "SaLUting You" award.

• July 2016: Francisco Tobar, Application Systems Analyst, ITS-Enterprise Resources
• August 2016: Scott Schulz, Systems Administrator, Sr., ITS-Enterprise Resources

The program is meant to promote and formally reward employees’ contributions to the overall objectives of ITS. As part of the program, one employee is chosen from nominations each month to receive the “SaLUting You” award. The award is designed to recognize employees for excellence in customer service, financial efficiency, and creative ingenuity.

Kalen Reichert Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Kalen Reichert, Alumni Engagement, who received a SLU Spark! Kalen was recognized by Bernice Carp, Development Services, for serving others.

"Thank you Kalen for always being there to help me no matter what. You are my go-to person! And you don't make fun of me when I have to ask you something more than once. I really appreciate your kindness. I also enjoy our "little talks" You are a great friend and so happy we are coworkers."

Brittany Ford Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Brittany Ford, Alumni Engagement, who received a SLU Spark! Brittany was recognized by Laura Kleinschmidt, Alumni Engagement, for pursuing excellence.

"Brittany completely revamped our Alumni Merit Awards program this year, which previously included multiple events at different locations across campus throughout Homecoming Weekend. The new program honored all 10 awardees from each college or school at one large exciting event, and took months of planning and coordinating to make sure everything ran smoothly. Not only did Brittany do an outstanding job and the event went very well, but it was actually her first time handling this event in her new position! I was so impressed with her hard work, attention to detail and professionalism in working with these outstanding alumni and numerous high profile University stakeholders. She started planning the event in December to make it a success, and it showed! For that, I want to give Brittany a SLU Spark!"

Ahmed Wahba Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Ahmed Wahba, Facilities Management, who received a SLU Spark! Ahmed was recognized by Joshua Schaffer, Facilities Management, for serving others.

"Through a selfless act, Mr. Wahba graciously elected to work an additional 5 hours past his 8 hour shift to serve the students at Fusz Hall and worked in collaboration with the Lead Man to accomplish an untimely task that surfaced at the end of the day. His flexibility and understanding to serve the students at Fusz Hall and sacrifice his time is greatly appreciated."

Danielle Mungenast Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Danielle Mungenast, HR-Compensation, who received a SLU Spark! Danielle was recognized by Leanna Fenneberg, Student Development, for pursuing excellence.

"Danielle has thoughtfully and professionally led our Division in consideration of the new FLSA standards. Throughout the process, she has carefully investigated and represented the standards to inform our decisions, has communicated with all relevant people on our team, has listened intently to the needs of our work and the needs of our staff, and has been incredibly responsive and dedicated to a very attentive process of review, decisions and communication. She has represented care for individual staff members while adhering to new national standards. This is the first major project I worked directly with Danielle on, and I am thoroughly impressed by and appreciative of her commitment."

Roweena Sehwani Jagtiani Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Roweena Sehwani Jagtiani, SLU-Madrid, who received a SLU Spark! Roweena was recognized by Paul Vita, SLU-Madrid, for strengthening our community.

"Roweena's always positive--connecting to students, faculty, staff and everyone who visits our campus in Madrid. She's the magic that makes sure our weekly bulletin of events on campus and information moves forward. She's also the colleague who's there to support our students, celebrate their successes, and enjoy their talents. Thank you, Roweena, for all you do to make SLU-Madrid a special and wonderful international community!"

Gregory Taber Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Gregory Taber, Facilities Management, who received a SLU Spark! Gregory was recognized by Joshua Schaffer, Facilities Management, for serving others.

"Mr. Taber consistently displays a pattern of selflessness, adaptability, and flexibility. In this particular instance, Greg worked his normal shift from 8 am to 4:30 pm and then stayed an additional 5 hours to repair an exhaust vent at Fusz hall that went out late in the day. Mr. Taber sacrificed his time and his evening with his family to provide and maintain a satisfactory learning environment for SLU students and his efforts are greatly appreciated."

Nick McCreary Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Nick McCreary, Sustainability, who received a SLU Spark! Nick was recognized Brandon Verhoff, Sustainability and Benchmarking, for strengthening our community.

"This past summer, Nick strengthened our community by coordinating and integrating new events for Fall Welcome. He was able to organize new events this year for move-in for recycling awareness training, recycling on the go training at both Men's and Women's soccer games, develop a zero waste activities fair, and lead the efforts to get students involved in reusing water bottles by stuffing 1,700 reusable water bottles with pledges and stickers. Thank you Nick for your continued support and efforts this past fall."

John Chibnall Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to John Chibnall, Psychiatry, who received a SLU Spark! John was recognized by Maureen Bresnahan, Research Integrity, for strengthening our community.

"There are not enough words to express how thankful I am to have been able to work with John Chibnall. John has been an excellent friend, teacher, mentor and inspiration. I know that I would not be where I am today without the knowledge, wisdom, and support he has given me. John has always had a passion for improving the research community, and has gone above and beyond to make that happen. From chairing the IRB to helping form the GDO to offering his assistance to new aspiring researchers, his efforts have not gone unnoticed. He is truly an extraordinary asset to the university."

Brandy Sisson Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Brandy Sisson, Payroll, who received a SLU Spark! Brandy was recognized by Ann Scales, Parks College, for pursuing excellence.

"I have contacted Brady many times over for help with getting staff or students paid due to an error or whatever strange happening in life might take place. Brandy has never once said this is not my job but with kind words will say "that's why am here to help" she truly lives the SLU Mission and is here to help when she can. SLU should be proud to have an employee such as Brandy."

Heather Freehill Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Heather Freehill, Athletics, who received a SLU Spark! Heather was recognized by Angie Wills, Athletics, for driving change and innovation.

"Heather has expanded the Student-Athlete Academic Services to better serve our student-athletes and provide opportunities for them to succeed. I am continually impressed with the new programs, speakers, and ideas she has and initiates to improve their experiences and prepare them for their future."

Michele Connell Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Michele Connell, Benefits, who received a SLU Spark! Michele was recognized by Nima Ehsani, Biology, for serving others.

"I had an issue with my insurance. She walked me through the process and resolved the issue faster than I expected."

Jocelyn Brennan-Witzel Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Jocelyn Brennan-Witzel, Law School, who received a SLU Spark! Jocelyn was recognized by Lindsey Riley, Law School, for serving others.

"Jocelyn, I've watched you do everything possibly to make yourself and this school the best it can be and I so admire that. You have helped push me to strive to be a better person. Thank you for making coming to work each day enjoyable."

Candy King Recognized for 2016 John Seay Humanitarian Award

Established July 2011, The John Seay Humanitarian Award will recognize a Practice Management Operations employee who has demonstrated a willingness to serve others and by doing so, has promoted the welfare of other individuals or groups. This award is so named to commemorate the selfless giving demonstrated by our former leader and friend. It is our hope that this award will serve as a tribute to John Seay, acknowledging that the actions of one person can indeed change the lives of others and a reminder that it is through service to others that we become exceptional leaders. 

Employees being nominated for 

The John Seay Humanitarian Award have demonstrated service to others in or outside of PMO (service performed need not have occurred in the current year). Written nominations are reviewed by the PMO Special Events Committee. At the annual PMO Year End Celebration on September 29, Candy King, PMO - Registration, was named as the 2016 John Seay Humanitarian Award recipient. 

Candy King receiving the John Seay Humanitarian Award at the PMO Annual Picnic, 9/29/16.  Pictured left to right:  Tim Noonan - Assistant Director of Registration, Candace King- Registration Representative, Jennifer Davis- Supervisor of Registration

The nominations submitted for Candy are below. 

Candy is a ray of sunshine for the providers, support staff, medical assistant, and the patients. It is a joy to walk off the elevator and be greeted with a smiling joyous person. Patients have commented more about Candy than any other person in our ObGyn office. They state that she is always happy to see them, greets them with a smile, is always will to aide them in navigating the often difficult and confusing aspects of insurance and is a very reassuring person at a time when they are often scared. Nothing is too much trouble for her. Imagine looking up and seeing people 5 deep and 2 lines long. She does this on a daily basis and never shows aggravation. She is a role model to the new people in the position. This past month in Press Ganey there were 6 unique patient comments about how wonderful she is. There has never been this many comments about a staff member in the past 2 years. Her approach to customer service needs to used as the standard for the PMO group and SLUCare offices in general.

I would also like to nominate Candy for the John Seay Humanitarian Award because she epitomizes our SLU Mission in the way she treats our patients and her fellow coworkers each and every day. Candy showers each patient with kindness and love and has a truly generous spirit. When you check in with Candy, you will literally feel as if her arms are embracing you with a warm hug. Her compassion for each and every person is felt the minute you step off of the elevator at her location and hear her warm and welcoming, “Welcome to SLUCare!”. Candy is equally as compassionate about her coworkers as she is about our patients. Candy is always the first person to organize a lunch or bring in breakfast for her team. Candy regularly calls me just to tell me how much she “loves her job” and what a great day she is having! If anyone is deserving of this award, it is Candy King!!!

Eric Valdivia Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Eric Valdivia, Internal Medicine, who received a SLU Spark! Eric was recognized by Tammy Grant, IM-Infectious Diseases, for serving others.

"I would like to thank Eric for his patience and understanding while two co-workers were on maternity leave at the same time. It's a very small office, so it was tough! He had to assume additional duties and help acclimate reassigned staff. I know he was ready to pull his hair out at times, but he managed to continue to provide a friendly face to all of our clinic patients."

Karen Bolinger Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Karen Bolinger, Instruction-Social Work, who received a SLU Spark! Karen was recognized by Shannon Cooper-Sadlo, Instruction-Social Work, for serving others.

"Karen Bolinger is always so friendly and willing to help our students and faculty. She is patient and makes everyone feel welcome!"

Karen Bolinger Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Karen Bolinger, Instruction-Social Work, who received a SLU Spark! Karen was recognized by Ellen Weis, Registrar, for seeking truth.

"As I was leaving the office yesterday, I could not find my car key. I was trying to figure out where I might have left it. I thought that I left it in the restroom in Tegeler Hall. When I got into the office this morning, I contacted someone in Social Work to see if someone had turned it in. The person mentioned to me that Karen Bolinger had found it. Karen went ahead and contacted DPS about it and they picked up yesterday. I retrieved the key from DPS. I want to thank Karen for turning in the key. I am forever grateful to her."

Mike Martin Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Mike Martin, ITS-Customer Service, who received a SLU Spark! Mike was recognized by Kristy Runge, HR-Information Systems, for serving others.

"I would like to thank Mike for always providing a sense of urgency when requests come from HR to resolve a faculty and/or staff system issue. His system knowledge enables him to resolve issues quickly and accurately. When he doesn't know the answer, he is willing to research the issue further to provide guidance on who can help resolve the problem. Thank you for providing a high level of customer service that is always expected but rarely recognized!"

Stacey Hutchens Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Stacey Hutchens, Medical Center Development, who received a SLU Spark! Stacey was recognized by Kathy Luther, Corporate and Foundation Relations, for driving change and innovation.

"Stacey is at the heart of driving change and innovation in the Development Division, particularly on the medical center side of campus. Through her considerable efforts and talent, there is a new and successful Grateful Patient fundraising program up and running, with plans to expand medical philanthropy education throughout SLUCare. Stacey herself is a spark - of energy, enthusiasm and initiative!"

Rachel Stout Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Rachel Stout, Neurology, who received a SLU Spark! Rachel was recognized by Susan Eller, Neurology, for pursuing excellence.

"I am a research nurse, managing clinical trials, for several neurologists at SLU. Rachel is the neurology clinic nurse. She supports several very busy doctors, but always manages to help me when I need assistance with scheduling patients, medication clarification, and a million other things.She makes my job SO much easier. Rachel is always cheerful, up-beat, and willing to go the extra mile. She deserves to be recognized for her efforts!"

Joanna Damalas Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Joanna Damalas, PMO - Training, who received a SLU Spark! Joanna was recognized by Brittany Willhoyt, PMO - Training, for serving others.

"I am a new employee here at SLUCare. Not long after I was hired Joanna's retirement was announced. During the past few weeks she has helped me grow and adapt in my new career and environment. She takes pride and has shown compassion on a daily basis for our team and our department, that over the years she has helped to build. She has introduced me to a lot of people over the past few weeks to help me build relationships within the organization. In this short span, she has allowed me to bring new ideas to the department and to propose change to programs & processes. She has given me the direction and tools to help me advance within my career here at SLUCare. I hope that over the next fifteen years of my career here at SLUCare, that I can grow and become a knowledgeable leader such as Joanna Damalas. Thank you Joanna for the inspiration! I wish you the best of luck in your retirement."

Fiction Reading by Thomas Pierce

Attend a fiction reading by Thomas Pierce on October 4, from 4-5pm in DuBourg Hall, Room 409. Pierce is the author of Hall of Small Mammals (2015), a collection of short stories, and his writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and elsewhere. National Public Radio has called him an “endlessly incisive and engaging writer.” He currently lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with his wife and daughters.

This event, sponsored by SLU's English Department, is free and open to the public. For questions, please contact Devin Johnston, Professor of English, at 314-977-3013 or johnstdd@slu.edu.

Thomas Pierce