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Thursday, June 12 marked the 23rd Annual Service Awards Ceremony at BWH, which honored the commitment and dedication of hundreds of employees, who have been with the hospital for a multiple of five years.
Awardees, their families and friends were welcomed by President Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA, who thanked employees saying, “Every patient, who receives care at BWH experiences the amazing talent, dedication, skill and commitment each and every one of you brings to your job. It is your talent and spirit that truly differentiates BWH.”
During the ceremony, Chief Medical Officer Andy Whittemore, MD joined Gottlieb and Vice President of Human Resources Cheryl Locke, who emceed the celebration. “This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the dedication of our employees, both individually and collectively,” said Whittemore. “Thank you all. Let’s have another great year.”
While presenting the awards for employees with 25 or more years of service at BWH, Locke shared anecdotes and special memories submitted by their coworkers. One such employee was Gregory L. Coren of the Department of Food Services, who has only called out sick one time since coming to BWH in 1978. Another BWHer, Edith (Dee Dee) Mariano of Patient and Family Relations, has earned the reputation of participating on every committee possible and is still volunteering for additional committees today, after 30 years with the hospital. Grace Shepard-Norah of Brigham Internal Medicine Associates (BIMA), a 35-year employee, once brought home a Spanish-speaking patient, who was stranded in the waiting room even though Shepard-Norah did not speak Spanish. These and other stories evoked laughter and smiles from the audience and the awardees throughout the event.
The ceremony concluded with all attendees erupting into a standing ovation, as Locke presented the final award to Claire Ann Testa, who has dedicated 45 years of service to BWH. A senior medical technologist in the Hematology Laboratory, Testa took a front-row seat next to Gottlieb as she was honored, being described by her colleagues as a “very hard working person, who is always quick to help others and has a dazzling sense of humor.”
Following the presentation of awards, Locke thanked Jacqueline Ashby of the Perks Office, and her volunteers, who helped make the event possible. Attendees adjourned to a reception in the Pod B Cafeteria.