2015 Staff Appreciation Week
April 13-April 17
Dear UICOMP staff,
Thank you for all that you do to help UICOMP accomplish its mission to “Lead Collaboration to Improve
Health.” Together we are improving health through education, research and patient care/community
service.
Forty-five years ago, UICOMP was created to train physicians for Central Illinois. Our educational
programs for medical students and residents are the core mission of the college. We are continually
improving our curriculum with more use of simulation, increased active learning, added fellowships, and
many other innovations which benefit our students and residents as well as their future patients.
Our research programs have been energized by the recruitment of Senior Associate Dean for Research
Marcelo Bento Soares. Dr. Soares’ enthusiasm, collaboration and vision will advance research in all of
our core focus areas – cancer biology, neuroscience, education/simulation and health outcomes.
Our clinics, hospitals and faculty continue to provide excellent patient care. We continually examine
how to integrate our patient care/teaching missions with the strategic goals of our hospital partners.
We are slowly but methodically updating UICOMP facilities so that we can continue to meet our mission
for many years to come.
There are challenges. Pension reform is still a source of concern to many faculty and staff. The ever
declining State budget and the declining NIH research support is forcing reliance on patient care dollars,
philanthropy, and our partner hospitals. We are all working extremely hard to meet both personal and
UICOMP goals despite the restrictions imposed by a tight budget.
Thank you so much for all the effort you put into helping UICOMP fulfill its mission. Particular thanks to
the Civil Service Council for their advocacy for UICOMP employees.
Sara
Sara L. Rusch, M.D., Regional Dean
Dear Bonnie, Joellyn, Valarie, Sandy, Loni, Judy, Jamie, Lois, Courtney, Cindy, Mary Jean:
My deepest gratitude for all the work you do for our students and faculty. I cannot ask for a better team
and I am so happy that I get to work with each and every one of you. Last year has been challenging and
we have taken on multiple new projects within academic affairs. I appreciate the enthusiasm,
commitment and the positive attitude you bring to work each day to ensure that the projects are
completed effectively and successfully.
YOU are the best and Look forward to another great year with all of you!!!
Regards,
Meenakshy
Thank you Stephanie and Bobbi for the great team work, PDRC is fortunate to have you on our team
Lesa Armstrong CMA(AAMA)
Laureen Perkins: Thank you so much for all you do to make our office run smoothly. I don’t know what
we would do without you. You’re a great friend! Kristy
Toni, Thank you for the enthusiasm you bring to your job every day! Thanks for continuing to be our
front line person, managing our phone calls, dealing with our walk-ins and greeting us with a smile every
day. We appreciate your energy! The HIHAC Case Managers
I would like to thank Cheri Mahony and Linda Walter for their help, support, and guidance during my
first year at CBP. I am so grateful for them for sharing their extensive experience and knowledge with
me, and proud to be a part of this very conscientious and hardworking team. Thank you! Christina
Constantinidou
I want to thank my Crew(Civil Service Council) this year that I have been so blessed to be able to work
with. You all are so willing, enthusiastic, really owning your positions on the Council with pride,
dedication and perseverance. Please know I do not take that for granted and thoroughly appreciate all
your efforts, thoughts and contributions along the way which enables the Council to truly serve our
employees here in such a humble way. You all are filled with the Spirit of giving and I am ever so
thankful! May you all be blessed always, as you have blessed me.
Angela Daniels
I would like to Thank all in the Dept of Surgery for all the kindness and help during my many years
working there. I miss you all. Bonny
Thank you, Joe Newcomb for providing our clinic with smiles and laughter. Janet Dickson
Chris Wadle - Thank you for being a great supervisor and coworker. I appreciate the patience you have
with me. You are always available when I have questions and comments. Thanks, Gail
Barb Staggs –
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I cannot say it enough. You are my right hand, my sounding board
and my friend! I appreciate everything that you do for the Girls Holiday Bash, you are one of the reasons
it such a success.
Pen
Janelle, Dawn, Holly, Stacey, Marti, Cherron and Rose,
A sincere thank you for all that you do. Your willingness to always help out whenever needed is very
much appreciated. It’s a pleasure working with all of you.
Paula
BIG thanks to Gail Davis, Karen Luna, and Chris Wadle! You are the ones that makes the Library work!
You always go above and beyond to help all of our patrons get what they need. I appreciate all your
efforts and hard work.
Jo Dorsch
Shannon Doerr – Thank you for your dedication to Human Resources and the employees of
UICOMP! There is not a day that goes by that you do not help me as well as several others on the
campus. I am so very glad you are here! Lynne Keeton
Thank you, CIS workers Lee Ann and Austin, for helping to resolve so many of my desktop and laptop
issues and concerns. Lorene King
First I need to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the entire working staff at the Primary Pediatric office. It
continues to amaze me how everyone sticks together and sincerely cares about everyone in the office
whether it’s because of something awful and wanting to show support or wanting to make someone feel
special. It is an honor to work with so many caring and wonderful coworkers. Thank you for everything
you do for each other.
Cheryl Perry our office manager who continues to try and make everything run smoothly in our office
which can’t be easy. She is so understanding, patient and always open to listen and tries to make all feel
special and important in our office. I appreciate everything you do. Thank you!
My fellow CMA’s- Marie, Holly and Sandi . I love working with all of you. Your all amazing people and
this office wouldn’t be what it is without you. Thank you for your all you do!
The nurses who work so hard- Connie, Kim G, Kim A and Catherine. You all work so hard and are
appreciated so much. Thank you for putting up with everything you do. Your all wonderful, Thank you so
much!
I can’t forget the front desk- Cindy and Bonny who deal with all of us and have to put on a smile for the
people that come in no matter what. You are amazing and this office wouldn’t be the same without you
both.
Finally- Austyn you are a blessing to the office. I couldn’t do what you do every day. Thank you for being
patient and working with all us ladies. I’m sure it can’t be easy some days.
Shauna Larson
Linda Walter: Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our department. You are
constantly going above and beyond to meet the ever changing requirements for the programs you are
responsible for. You are my co-worker and friend and I am so lucky to have you working alongside me.
Cheri
Kristy-Thank you for being a team player and giving your best each day. You come in each day with a
fantastic attitude ready to do your job. You continue to learn and grow in your position and are never
afraid to take on new responsibilities. It has been an extremely busy year and I appreciate all you do to
make our office run smoothly. I appreciate you more than you will ever know. Laureen
Bonny Darrow—What a pleasure it is to have you in the “Fish Bowl”. You make things run smoothly and
always have a positive attitude. I am so happy you are part of our Team. Thank you!! Cheryl
Dear Laureen and Kristi,
Thank you for all of your support during the past year. The Regional Dean’s office has a wide range of
responsibilities including payroll, faculty, compliance, meetings, policy, promotions, recruitment and, of
course, supporting the Regional Dean! I don’t know where I would be without your commitment to
getting the job done, no matter what challenges we face. The next year promises to be even more
interesting and I look forward to facing it together. Thanks for all that you do for me and for all of us on
this campus.
Dr. Rusch
To: Angela Daniels
Thank you for always being supportive and positive in all areas of life. Your spirt and happy nature is an
inspiration to all who come into contact with you. I could not have asked for a better supervisor, teacher
and friend.
Stephanie Sampson
Kim Frakes- thanks for 48 years of friendship- we have certainly been through a lot together! Lisa
Penny Halverson and Barb Staggs—Thank you……. to the both of you for always helping me. Cheryl
Perry
I would like to send out a big “thank you” to everyone in our Department at HIHAC. This has been a
tough year and all of you have made it possible to get through. Thank you for all of your care and
concern!
Lynne Manley
Department Administrators-Thanks for all you do to keep our departments running. Hope you have a
great week! Laureen
Penny: Your insight on all of my inquiries is not taken for granted! Thank you for taking the time to
listen and helping to find a solution. Cheri
Thank you to Karen Canning and Lauri Pillman for accepting me into the department with open
arms. Thank you Mary Jo Montgomery for being the best boss and welcoming to me and helping me
with everything. You all are awesome to work with.
Beth LaFollett
Thanks to Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer and Academic Affairs Staff for your forward movements in implementing
USMLE Step One/ Step Two preparation strategies, and an Intern Prep Course to help M2/M3/M4
Students become ready for the upward trajectory or phases of medical training, so they will graduate
from medical school and successfully match into a Residency. Lorene King
Nick Straub – Thank you for mentoring me! Lynne Keeton
To the PRC staff–
I am so grateful to work with such a dedicated group of people. Despite an increase in patients referred
and seen by PRC, your attention to detail and caring attitude positively impact the lives of abused and
neglected children throughout the region! You are awesome!!
Stephanie Johnson, Executive Director of Pediatric Resource Center
Kristy Bushart –
What a friend, always having the coffee ready in the morning! You know me too well. Thank you for
your continuing friendship and all of the things you do for the Girls Holiday Bash, it wouldn’t happen if I
was left to my own devices.
Pen
Susy and Sondra - Thank you for making deliveries a breeze. You are always friendly and welcoming.
Thanks, Gail
Stephanie Hull thanks for taking such good care of our pulmonology clinic. Janet Dickson
To the HIHAC Nurses (Sindy, Christine, Julie, Carrie, Marcia, Judy and Gayle), Thank you for all of the
genuine care and comfort that you give to the patients we treat. Your compassion and support is
honest and sincere. Thank you for your energy, skills and dedication! The Case Managers
.
Lisa Staggs: Thanks for walking with me even though you do slow me down with those old bones of
yours. Just kidding! Kristy
Valerie Bricka-Thank you for always being there to help with E*Value! You are a wonderful help!! Marti
To the HIHAC support staff (Jenny, Lori, Nancy, Lynne& Sherry), Thank you for all you do every day
behind and in front of the scenes. We are grateful for you! The HIHAC Case managers
Emily, Thank you for all you do in taking care of the budgeting, coordinating grants, billing, setting up
venders, explaining to us how, why, what and when without becoming frustrated or flinching at our
questions. The HIHAC Case Managers
I want to send an extra special THANK YOU out to my animal facility crew: Eileen Lash, Nathan Lash,
Stephanie Sampson and Dr. Pinson. Like clockwork I say, without missing a beat. Thank you all for
always stepping up to the plate to tackle whatever is needed to get the job done RIGHT. I appreciate
your dedication, humbleness and great work ethic. It is truly a gift to be able to work alongside all of
you. Thank you for blessing me daily with your talents in our department. We make a great TEAM
Angela Daniels
I would like to Thank all in the Pediatric Primary office for welcoming me into your office. Hope to have
many years with all of you. Bonny
Aimee Oliver, Thank you for all you do each day. I also need to thank you for entertaining the office
with your daily trivia questions.
Janet Dickson
Jo Dorsch - Wishing you the best in your retirement. And Thank you for the guidance you have provided
all these years. It has been good.
Thanks, Gail
Gracita Edwards –
Thank you for all the things you do, it is so very much appreciated. Happy Staff Appreciation Week!
Penny
Laureen Perkins – Thank you for sharing your wisdom, watching the calendar for projects/deadlines, and
always being willing to help on a moment’s notice. I appreciate all you do for Human Resources! Lynne
Keeton
Thank you, Dave Haney and Dr. Rusch who each took precious time from your families on
different Saturdays to help ensure that Urbana medical students and Peoria community high school
students had an enjoyable and enlightening experience at UICOMP’s campus, via a building tour and
professional presentation. Lorene King
Lisa and Lois: Thank you for being such good friends and always willing to listen. I appreciate your
friendship and enjoy our lunchtime “chat” sessions. Cheri
Kathy-It is so nice to have you back to help out. I am jealous retirement fun. Thanks for all the good
times we have shared. I appreciate you so much. Laureen
Cindy Robbins—You are a natural in the “Fish Bowl”. The children just love you. Always smiling and
making them happy. Your smiling face makes it all worth it. Great to have you part of the Team. Thank
you!! Cheryl
Lynne Manley – thanks for the conversations and chocolate! Lisa
To: Physical Plant
Thank you for all your hard work to make sure that we are safe and running smoothly in the LACF.
LACF Staff
To the Internal Medicine Team! Thank you so much for all you do!! You are all AWESOME!! Marti
Kathy Sciortino: Thanks so much for coming back to help us out. We missed you! Kristy
Jill E., Thank you for all you take on for our patients. We appreciate your willingness to meet people
where they are at. You have a contagious enthusiasm when it comes to encouragement and
engagement reaching not only your patients, but staff as well. Thank you for your inspiration, drive and
passion! The HIHAC Case Managers
Bernie Rubio, I would like to thank you for aiding the clinic, by interpreting for our Spanish speaking
patients. The service you provide truly helps fills the gap of communicating with our Hispanic
population.
Janet Dickson
Emily Johnson - Thank you for bringing youth and energy to the Library. Thanks, Gail
Suzy Witt –
You are doing a great job in your new role! I see great things on the horizon from the back! Thank you
for making sure we get lunch on Fridays, we totally appreciate your going that extra mile for us.
PIP
Kristy Bushart – Thank you for always finding me a place to stay in Chicago! Lynne Keeton
Thank you to the Security Staff, led by Jamie Waters, for your professionalism, consideration and
concerns; which has helped lead staff, faculty and students through our transition to a professional
security service. Lorene King
Christina C.: You've been a welcome addition to the team and our department. Thank you for all of your
support, your ongoing willingness to take on new responsibilities and your friendship. Your efforts and
enthusiasm are greatly appreciated! Cheri
Dr. Rusch-WOW---What can I say---It has been a year of multiple opportunities and we have survived.
Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to the campus. I have learned so much while
working for you. Thanks for all you do! Laureen
Shauna Larson—You are always willing to go the extra mile. Your positive attitude is contagious and you
try to smile through any scenario. You are flexible and always volunteering for things. Thank you!!
Cheryl
Toni Johnson – thank you for helping our office run so smoothly and for running interference when
necessary - Lisa
Fellow CSEC Members-Thank you for all the hard work! It has been a pleasure working with all of you!
Marti
Judy Martin—Thanks for always helping me when I need it. Cheryl Perry
Barb S.: Thank you for always being there to assist me and your willingness to answer any “peachy”
questions! Cheri
Dean Rusch – Thank you for your leadership! Lynne Keeton
Marti - Thanks for doing the Thank yous. Thanks, Gail
Thank you, Andrea Grant, for all of your flexibility, you have proven to everyone that there is nothing
that you can’t do or handle. Janet Dickson
Pam, Thanks for continuing to go out to and find new ways represent HIHAC with ongoing energy and
enthusiasm that demonstrates to everyone your ongoing commitment to this agency, the people we
serve and the community. We appreciate all you give and do! The HIHAC Case Management Team
Barb Staggs: I can’t imagine how boring my day would be if I didn’t have you and our lunch time
walks. We could solve all the world’s problems if they’d just ask us! lol Kristy
Stacey Webb-Thanks for being a GREAT office mate and always keeping it FUN!! Thank you-Marti
Thank you to the HIHAC case managers: Antishay Gardner, Beth Clayton, Cathy Huntsman, Gina
Richardson, Jill Jones, Molly Graham, and Tracey Vogelsang.
It has been a trying year to say the least! Through numerous guidelines, policy changes, and setbacks
you have persevered. I can’t thank you enough for your patience, insight and support. Some of you
stood out as leaders when we were very short staffed. Some of you have brought new concepts and
ideas to outdated procedures. All of you provided me with care and support when I needed it the most.
On a professional level, you are unmatched. You provide our clients with excellent service and
advocacy; work diligently to improve our department, and represent social work at its finest. On a
personal level I could not ask for a more supportive staff. Your caring texts, calls offering support, and
presence when I needed to lean on you, meant the world to me. You have all been wonderful inside the
office and out. I am so grateful for each of you - Lisa
CSEC Council—You all have done a great job this year. Continue the great work!! Cheryl Perry
Laureen and Kristy: When I “tiptoe” into your office, you know that I've got a challenge to present and I
always seem to come up with “unique” questions. Thank you for helping me to find the answers! I know
I can always count on you. Cheri
Gary Edwards – Thanks for keeping us all safe, warm and dry! Lynne Keeton
Carmen Howard - Thank you for positive influence you have on the Library. You are super to work with.
Thanks, Gail
Latorria Brock and Jean Johns, Thank you for keeping the clinic up to date with all of the Civil Service
activities. Janet Dickson
Amy Zimmerman—Such a team player you are. You never complain. You are always willing to try
something new. Thanks for all your hard work. Cheryl
Physical plant dudes - Thanks for your help in so many ways to keep the University well lite, arranged,
and hung up. We know who to call when have a job. Thanks, Gail
Kim Garcia, you do a great job keeping our Nephrology division running smoothly. Janet Dickson
Loni Wenzel-It has been wonderful working with you!! Thank you for all you do!! Marti
Penny Halverson: Thank you for being such a great friend and sharing your love of French vanilla coffee!
Kristy
Tina Aronson—UDC is lucky to have such a great worker. You go above and beyond for your patients.
Thank you! Cheryl
Lynne-Thank you for coming to UICOMP. Our offices work together so much and I love the collaborative
relationship we share. Thanks for all that you do. We are so lucky to have you at our campus. Laureen
Gary - Thanks listening to my complaints and actually doing something about them. You are good!
Thanks, Gail
Marie Smith—The patients at our office love when you room them. They all remember you and ask for
you when they come back. You are just a kid at heart just like them. Thanks for all you do to make their
appointments better. Thank you !! Cheryl
Adam Yerian - Thanks for be the token male for the Girls Christmas party and for eating lunch with me. I
think we have a good time. You have such a great view on life and make everything more fun. Thanks,
Gail
Terry Flynn I want to thank you for doing such a great job in our Healthy Living Clinic.
Janet Dickson
Thank you to the Clerkship Coordinators. I also appreciate the support and encouragement throughout
the year! It is wonderful to work with such a great group of people! Marti
MaryBeth Arduini—What a trooper you are! You always work hard and give it your all. You are a great
asset to UCD.
Debbie Porch—You are a great asset to UCD. You are always cool, calm and collected. Thanks for all your
hard work. Cheryl
Shannon and Lynn - Thanks for the wonderful job you ladies do to make the University run smoothly.
Thanks, Gail
Christine Buck, it is a true pleasure to have you here in our clinic. Thank you for joining our team!
Janet Dickson
Jana Winkler—It is a pleasure to have you as part of the team. Thank you for all your patience in learning
a new job. Cheryl
Nick-Thanks for helping Dr. Rusch. I appreciate that she has someone to assist her with the challenging
tasks. Laureen
Sandy McGee-Thank you for your kindness, helpfulness and wisdom! You are always available to
answer any question-Thanks! Marti
Fae, Nan and Penny - Thanks for your friendship. Please join me for lunch. Let the good times roll.
Thanks, Gail
Lesa Armstrong, your stability and experience does not go unnoticed, thank you for all you do each and
every day.
Janet Dickson
There are so many people throughout this campus on and offsite that I am so very grateful for. I would
take up the entire “Thank You” booklet if I wrote one for everyone who is in my heart and on my
mind. Please just know that if you are someone who has helped me or worked with me in some way
over my time here that I am always ever so grateful for your professionalism, promptness and kindness
during those times. Feeling blessed to work in such a great work environment! Thank you for blessing
me always
Angela Daniels
Angela - Wow, what an awesome CSEC president! You have so much energy. Thank you, Thank you for
all you do! Thanks, Gail
Stephanie Hornbuckle, thank you for stepping up to the plate and helping us out in the DRC, you’re
doing a great job.
Janet Dickson
I consider myself extremely lucky to work for such a wonderful institution with such wonderful
people! Whether it is a smile in passing, help with a daily task or something more, we each
touch one another’s lives in great ways! Thank you to everyone for all that you do!-Marti
Sokolowski
Vicki Helton (aka: Tall One) Thank you, for enriching our clinic team every day, with your flexibility,
experience, patience and kindness.
Janet Dickson
Stefanie - Thank you for being Angela's sidekick. I'm not sure any of the rest of us have the energy and
fortitude to keep up with Angela.
You are super! Thanks, Gail
Thank you Joellyn for your help with the TBLs! Marti
Sandi Blasingim—You have an infectious attitude and treat everyone with kindness. The patients like
your smiling face. It is wonderful to have you as part of the Team and the Asthma guru. Thanks for
always volunteering to do things. Thank you!! Cheryl
Thanks to Bobbi Wages for her flexibility, she is always willing to help out where ever needed.
Janet Dickson
Holly Rademaker— You have done a great job this year with everything I have asked you to do. We all
love you for your desserts. You work hard and it is appreciated. Thank you!! Cheryl
CSEC council members - Thanks for all your hard work and contributions
month after month and year after year for some to make the University such a great place to work.
Thanks, Gail Davis
Amanda dice, we are so happy to have you join our team. Thank you, for helping out with our GI
scheduling.
Janet Dickson
Austyn Marks—It is great to have you in the office. You have adapted well. Thanks for always helping
with the extra things I ask you to do. Your flexibility is appreciated. Thank you!! Cheryl
Laurie Retzer and Julie Dawson you two do a great job in keeping the communication opened between
the doctors and our clinic staff.
Thank you,
Janet Dickson
Kim Goodwin—You are a very hard worker and always striving to help our patients out as much as
possible. You are always willing to make things better and come up with ideas. Thanks for all you do!!
Cheryl
Thank you, Gary Edwards and staff, for all your hard work and dedicated efforts, including humor, to
help take us through a seamless transition since the retirements of Wally, Randy and Kenny; and the
change in custodial service staff. Lorene King
Thanks to Teresa Barr, for keeping our neuro department running. Janet Dickson
Pam Volk—You have been an inspiration to a lot of people. It is great to have you as a mentor. The
college is a better place with you here. Thanks for the endless hours of work you put in. You are
appreciated!! Cheryl
Thank you Kim Frakes, for joining our team. I am looking forward to working with you in the future.
Janet Dickson
Lisa, Thank you for being the type of supervisor that we want to work for and with. We appreciate you
going that extra mile and not only listening, but letting us know we are heard. Your ability to juggle this
team, knowing each one of us is an accomplishment deserving of recognition. Thank you for having the
faith to allow us to grow and evolve into a team that represents not only the agency, clients and grants,
but individuals confident in the roles we are in. Antishay, Beth, Cathy, Gina, Jill, Molly, Tracey
Jenny Johannes—It has been great to get to know you. You are a great assest to the office. Thanks for all
you do. Cheryl
Pam Volk, Thank you so much for being my mentor and believing in me.
Janet Dickson
Sondra Fox –
Thank you for all of your hard work and putting up with us all. I appreciate it.
PIP
Catherine Kern—You are a very hard worker and willing to help wherever needed. You bring smiles to
the patients faces. Thanks for all you to do make the clinic better !! Cheryl
Jenny Johannes, it is true pleasure working with you and having you as my office neighbor. You are a
great teacher and coworker.
Janet Dickson
Connie Cranford—You are the glue that holds things together. Always cool, calm and collected. The
patients love you. You are kind and considerate to everyone. Thank you for all your hard work!! Cheryl
Pam Williams, I would like to thank you for sharing all of your experience and UICOMP history with
newer staff members. Thank you also, for greeting each of families with a warm smile.
Janet Dickson
Kim Alexander—You do an awesome job in the office. Your patients love you. Helping everyone all the
time. It makes it easier on me to be away knowing you are there. Thanks for all you do for me and
everyone else!! Cheryl
A great big thanks to all of the staff of the department of medicine for all you do to support the
department and the faculty!
We couldn’t do all we do without all of your hard work and dedication to our department!
Rick Harvey
Bryanna Henson, although you have only been here a short time I would like to say thanks, for joining
our team and bringing an enthusiastic attitude.
Janet Dickson
Kristy Papis—You are a joy to have in our office. A bright shining face. Cheerful and happy making your
patients smile. We are blessed to have you as part of our Team!! Cheryl
Thank you, Erica Duffy for being such a SUPER super user; you guided us well through the EPIC upgrade.
Janet Dickson
Janet Dickson—Thanks for always helping me when I need it. Cheryl
Thank you for your contributions to the 2015 Staff
Appreciation Week Thank you Booklet! I hope you
all have a WONDERFUL Staff Appreciation Week!!
Marti Sokolowski, CSEC