Inaugural Stellar Achievement Awards Honors Exceptional Staff

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Submitted by scronin on Thu, 10/10/2024 - 14:52

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Campus Life Services (CLS) honored staff excellence, public service, and innovation at the inaugural Stellar Achievement Awards Ceremony and luncheon on October 7, 2024. This award ceremony was the first-ever of its kind, celebrating original ideas, service in the public sector, and commitment to excellence. Recipients were nominated by their peers in the categories of the Associate Vice Chancellor’s (AVC) Award, the CLS Distinguished Public Service Award, and the Making Life Better Here Award.

“The Stellar Achievement Awards are a way to acknowledge our staff’s commitment to greatness at Campus Life Services. We have so many teammates who do exceptional work, and this all new, red-carpet ceremony will give proper respect to these CLS awards – two of which are brand new. The AVC Innovation Award is new this year highlighting the creativity and forward-thinking ideas that have made a significant difference in our organization,” Giacomi said.

Francesca Coelho, Housing Services Project Manager, was one of the winners of the AVC Innovation Award and shared their perspective on why this award was significant.

"People are the heart of any organization and supporting them through my work aligns with my core values. Development and training open diverse growth opportunities, leveling the playing field not just in their professional lives, but also in their personal life. They are a big part of an organization and serving them is a big part of who I am as a person, so being recognized for upholding my values and contributing my strengths is really meaningful,” Coelho said.

Also new this year, the CLS Distinguished Public Service Award honored individuals for their involvement in service outside of work.

“I am especially proud of another brand-new award in 2024 – the CLS Distinguished Public Service Award to honor employees doing stellar work in the public sphere outside of their roles at UCSF. I know there are many team members doing great work in charities, walkathons, and organizations out in the community. I think this new category will touch a lot of people and be inspiring,” Giacomi said.

Jon Henry, HVAC Lead Mechanic for Facilities, was one of the recipients of the CLS Distinguished Service Award for his work in founding Both Sides of the Conversation, a nonprofit that uplifts and empowers Black and Brown communities through digital media, mentorship, and community engagement.

Award Recipient, HVAC Lead Mechanic Jon Henry gives an acceptance speech at the podium

“The mission behind UCSF is about health, wellness, and community. In this spirit, I believe it's crucial for all of us to find ways to contribute beyond our standard eight-hour workdays. Going above and beyond is essential—not just for our personal growth but also for the benefit of the broader community. Giving back to community organizations and engaging in volunteer work has never been more important," Henry said.

The awards ceremony culminated with the most anticipated Making Life Better Here Award.

“The highest honor in CLS, the Making Life Better Here Award, which recognizes individuals whose dedication and customer care encapsulate the mission of CLS. This honor is voted on annually by the CLS Executive Team and is aimed at recognizing our top performers,” Giacomi said.