Changes to Service Awards Ceremony

Each year, faculty and staff who pass a five-year milestone in their careers at Vanderbilt are recognized for their service with a gift from the University. Faculty and staff from the Medical Center and University Central are recognized in two separate ceremonies. This year's VUMC program will be Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Stadium Club. The ceremony for University Central's faculty and staff will follow one week later from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, also at the Stadium Club.

Under the direction of Chancellor E. Gordon Gee, changes have been made to this year's programs. As in the past, five-year honorees will receive their pins in their departments the week of the awards. Ten- and 15-year honorees will also receive their pins in their departments this year along with a gift from the Chancellor. Supervisors are urged to celebrate the honorees.

This new system will allow the recipients to be "honored among their peers," Cynthia Morin, executive director of University events, said.

The rest of the program will remain the same as in past years:

* 20-year honorees will receive a watch at the ceremony

* 25-year honorees may order their chairs at the bookstore or online at www.vanderbiltbookstore.com

* 30-year honorees will receive a clock at the awards ceremony

* 35-year honorees will receive a piece of crystal at the ceremony

* 40-and 45-year honorees will select their own gifts that will be shipped to their homes

Twenty-year, 25-year, 30-year, 35-year, 40-year and 45-year honorees are invited to the Service Awards ceremony, and they may also invite their immediate families and supervisors.

At each ceremony, the winner of the Commodore Award will also be announced. Nominations are open to all Vanderbilt staff, faculty and students. The purpose of the award is to recognize and reward significant staff achievements in Vanderbilt University's pursuit of excellence in education, health care, research and community service.

Program participants include Gee, Lauren Brisky, vice chancellor for administration and chief financial officer; Harry Jacobson, vice chancellor for health affairs; Darlene Lewis, associate vice chancellor for human resources services; David Tuleen, associate provost for administration and associate professor of chemistry; John Chapman, dean of the School of Medicine and professor of pharmacology; Colleen Conway-Welch, dean of the School of Nursing; Mark Penkhus, CEO, Vanderbilt University Hospital; and Norman Urmy, executive vice president for clinical affairs.