The Triangle

Issue date: 10/17/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Aaron Walizer

Media Credit: Aaron Walizer

The 2008 President's Awards Ceremony was held Oct. 15 in the main quad on campus to acknowledge University employees who help achieve the mission and goals of Drexel with their "innovation and excellence," according to the University's web site.

This is the highest honor that can be given to employees, according to the web site, and the awards were extended to staff members and teams within both Drexel University and the Drexel University College of Medicine.

Speakers at the event included Renee Amoore, a Drexel trustee, Mary Caraccioli, host of CN8 Money Matters Today, Adele Barbato, senior vice president for Human Resources and University President Constantine Papadakis.

Amoore applauded the faculty and staff for their "extraordinary service," and for going "above and beyond" the work required of them.

"You at Drexel are very conscious about understanding the mission and how to get there," Amoore said.

According to Amoore, one of the strengths of this year's faculty and staff was their innovation and communication amongst one another.

"A lot develop groundbreaking ideas, and then effectively develop and talk to each other with departments across the University," Amoore said.

Amoore added the importance of taking care of Drexel's students.

"Customer service is vital. Where would we all be if we didn't have students? Without students, what's the point? It's important to understand customer service," Amoore said.

Drexel University, according to Amoore, is a "model" for many competing schools.

"We have the best strategic planning," Amoore said.

Papadakis also attributed the success of the university to the faculty and staff.

"You have made this University what it is today. You believe you can succeed in whatever you try," Papadakis said. "Winners are a part of what makes Drexel University a great university."

Papadakis said that Drexel is looking to expand itself in today's global society. An example he cited was the Sacramento, Calif. campus, set to open Jan. 1, 2009.

Papadakis also spoke about developing environmental sustainability, not only for the University, but also on the larger scale of the city of Philadelphia.

One example of this effort was the program for the event being displayed on large screens in the front of the room, instead of on individual paper programs.

"We have made this event as green as possible," Papadakis said.

Award winners included Robert Esmond, Joanne Ferroni and Ian Sladen. Winners from LeBow were Jackie Ring, Jill McClary, Jennifer Corey, Richard Barnes, Tawanda Jones, Lisa Litzinger and Susan Rinaldi. The winning international team included Shumi Muinde, Akiko Barnes and Ernald Furxhi. The 11th Street team included Gail Partridge, Maria Irrera-Newcomb, Johari Crews, Constance Leach, Emily Beil Duffy and Pamela Sellers.

Papadakis applauded all the nominees for their contributions.

"I'm proud of the 148 nominees," Papadakis said. "This process introduced us to outstanding individuals."

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