May 6, 2009

SIU Med School Awards Employee Recognition

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine has honored two civil service employees from Springfield and a team in Department of Surgery for exemplary work.  All were recognized during the School’s employee recognition activities this month.

Jennifer Gardner, a computer support specialist in internal medicine, was named the 2008 Employee of the Year. She joined the SIU staff in 2000.  Her nominators said, “she is always willing to help in any area she can.  She works hard, is knowledgeable, and helps train new people in the clinics.  No matter how busy she is, she always takes the time to spend with you on your issue and with great patience.”  Gardiner was also named the outstanding civil service teaching support winner for SIU in Carbondale.  Gardner is the daughter of Kathleen Smith of Springfield.  She and her husband, Jim, reside in Springfield.

Cindy Wilham, health care administrator in internal medicine, is the 2008 Supervisor of the Year.  She attended St. John’s School of Nursing and has been a nurse since 1974.   She joined the SIU staff in 1989.  Her nominators said, “she is always positive, caring, fair and an excellent example for staff.  She is committed to high quality patient care above all else.”  Wilham is the daughter of the late Kenneth and Marilyn Rankin of Niantic.  She and her husband, Rick, have two children and reside in Mt. Pulaski.

This year’s Group Quality Award has been awarded to the Clinic Core Committee, in the department of surgery who have worked on various projects designed to improve patient care, patient experiences, quality education and role modeling for students, residents and staff alike.   Group members include Sandy Aper, Lynne Hailey, Susan Helm, Penny Lorenzini, Connie Pillsbury, Sara Schumacher, Lois Strom, Jean Taylor, Dr. Robert McClafferty and Janet Kararo all faculty and staff in the department.

The Group Quality Award recognizes a group for their outstanding contributions in delivering service or improving health outcomes or work processes.

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