Victor Aviles, Claudie Benjamin, Rogers Ramsey, Tiffany Smith, Marketing and Media Relations, Andrew Quinn, University Affairs, formerly, Marketing and Media Relations Nominated by Shauwea Hamilton, Administration (Interim - Service Excellence, Marketing and Media Relations)
This dedicated team recently oversaw the completion of a long-term media project that involved the taping of a two-hour special about Dr. Juan Asensio and the Trauma Center. The project included overseeing all production activities at University Hospital to ensure that the rights of our patients and staff were protected. The initiative was no small task, as it included working several night shifts from 3 pm – 2 am. The team also served as the intermediary between the producers and the hospital staff. The final production resulted in an impressive display of the everyday miracles that occur in the University Hospital Trauma Center .

 Darshana Barot, Respiratory Therapy
Nominated by Rosalina A. Manongdo, Patient Care Services
Darshana extended every effort to assist an elderly woman who was lost in the hospital. The woman, who did not speak English, could not remember where her family was located. Darshana personally escorted her to several units and did not stop until she had located the family on E level. Despite her busy schedule and heavy case load, Darshana demonstrated patience, persistence and kindness.

John Boles, Patient Transport
Nominated by Claudine Franklin and the staff of the Pediatric Ambulatory Clinic
John is always very pleasant and helpful. He is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done. His gentle, soft-spoken nature combined with his positive attitude and solid work ethic make him a pleasure to work with.

Cornell Gresham, Food and Nutrition Services, Receiving Department
Nominated by Betty Perez, Food and Nutrition Services
Cornell actualizes the hospital's mission in his job duties and responsibilities. He is highly professional and has a “can do” attitude that is inspiring to everyone around him. During the blizzard of 2006, Cornell walked from Irvington to University Hospital on his day off because he knew his services would be needed. Cornell was recently promoted from a food service associate to his current job in receiving. This advancement is evidence of Cornell's desire to continuously expand his knowledge and embrace new opportunities.

 Melania Martinez, Guest Services
Nominated by Carla Alves, Guest Services
Melania is one of our front desk professionals who always makes a great first impression. She has a kind, helpful nature that makes her very approachable to patients and visitors. Melania is also highly responsible and is an astute observer of people. Because of this, she serves as an important support person to our security and police force.

 Dreamer Jenkins, Patient Transport
Nominated by Shauwea Hamilton, Administration (Interim - Service Excellence, Marketing and Media Relations)
With an institution as big and complex as University Hospital , it's only natural for patients and visitors to get lost and confused. That's when it's great to have someone who really “knows the territory.” Recently, Dreamer encountered a woman who had been directed and redirected between the Doctor's Office Center, University Hospital, and the Ambulatory Care Center, only to realize that her appointment was actually where she had originally started out – in the Doctor's Office Center . Understandably, she was upset and frustrated. Once Dreamer was apprised of the situation, he offered to help. He contacted his supervisor to get the “OK” to leave the building and then personally escorted the woman to her destination. Because of Dreamer's willingness to assist, the woman calmed down and arrived safely to her destination.

Greg Lara, RN, Patient Care Services, Per Diem
Nominated by Alexios Apazidis, MD, Orthopaedics
Greg is always available and ready to care for any patient regardless if they are assigned to him or not. He immediately responds to and carries out physician orders or patient requests. Greg brings a fresh energy and enthusiasm to the job. He raises the bar of nursing and patient care. He makes any problem his own responsibility, takes ownership of the job and does everything needed to resolve the problem.

Mustapha A. Ezzeddine, MD, Neurology
Nominated by Adnan I. Qureshi, MD, Neurology and Neurosciences
Within months of his arrival, Dr. Ezzeddine set up a very active neurocritical care program, which provides care to complex patients with stroke and other neurological diseases. He is a highly dedicated physician and it is not uncommon for him to tend to sick patients late into the night on weekdays and weekends. Dr. Ezzeddine is also committed to medical education, and mentors numerous residents and fellows on a daily basis. Recently, he led the way in acquiring funding from the State of New Jersey to set up a “comprehensive stroke center” at University Hospital . This valuable addition to the hospital will provide support to several “primary stroke centers” in the vicinity.

Twanda Sigue, Environmental Services
Nominated by Uche Nwaro, Patient Care Services
Twanda is a leader in Environmental Services. Always with a smile on her face, she personally gets involved anytime or anywhere housekeeping tasks are required. Twanda takes all steps necessary to accommodate our customers and she does so in a timely and effective manner. Twanda often sacrifices her break time to ensure patients receive a smooth transition from the Emergency Department into their rooms. She is truly an asset to the University Hospital .
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