On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Washington University Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences came together for a night of celebration, camaraderie, and gratitude at the annual Appreciation Party & Awards. Held at 9 Mile Garden in Affton, MO, the evening was filled with delicious food, family-friendly activities, and moments honoring the dedication of the department’s staff.
Staff Appreciation Awards
One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of the Staff Appreciation Awards. These awards recognized the hard work, dedication, and contributions of the department’s team. From administrative staff to technicians and physicians, each recipient was celebrated for their commitment to excellence in eye care and research.
| 2024 DOVS Appreciation Award Recipients | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stand-out Performer– the employee who constantly gives their best at work. | Princess Catlin | Jaime Hilecher | |
| Rookie Rockstar- top-performing new hires. This employee has performed remarkably well within their first month/quarter/or year of joining the company. | Sean Steinmetz | Marion Timothy | |
| Best Team Player- this employee displays extraordinary integrity and generosity towards their team members. | Katie Finley | Justin Oliver | Anne Pointer |
| Bright Idea Award- Always comes up with a great idea just when the chips are down! | Kyle Cavano | Lucy Yang | |
| Unsung Hero Award- Honoring individuals whose contributions may often go unnoticed but have a significant impact on the success and positive atmosphere of the clinical office. | Dawn Pletz, Donna Finazzo | Marisa Klasek, Renee Jonas | |
| Patient Whisperer- the employee who offers the best customer service. | Rakesh Patel | ||
| Pinnacle Performer- for employees at the top of their game, slayers of deadlines, and are the best at what they do (no matter the time or circumstances). | Christine Dopp | ||
| The People’s Choice– Employees choose a peer who exhibits trust, friendship, reliability, loyalty, kindness, etc., during their work and has helped them achieve amazing results. | Glenda Plopper | Samantha Darron | Tina Harrel |
| Office Bestie Award– The person who knows everyone, even newbies. | Jami Dressler | Tasha Scott | Tiffany Carreon |
| Playground Award– Most likely to make work fun. | Bethany Rosenthal | Yolanda Graham | |
| Bubbles Award– For always having a bubbly and enthusiastic personality/perspective. | Stephanie Steinberger | Kelli Barton | Theresa Milo |
| Helping Hand Award– The team member who is always willing to help. | Anna Dykgreve | Paige Baumgartner | Amy Swarthout |
| Creative Genius Award– This team member consistently comes up with innovative solutions, ideas, or approaches to challenges, sparking creativity among the team. | Katelyn Jackson | Katy Paglusch | |
| Collaboration Champion Award– This team member excels at fostering collaboration and teamwork, bringing people together and building strong working relationships. | Alex Held | Jennifer Haring | |
| Adaptability Ace Award– This team member has shown exceptional adaptability and resilience, demonstrating flexibility and a positive attitude in the face of change. | Nikki Holmer | Jennifer Williams | |
| Unsung Hero Award- Recognizing the behind-the-scenes efforts of individuals who contribute significantly but may not receive much recognition. | Marisa Klasek | Renee Jonas | |
| Code Red Award- The person you can always go to in a panic because they can fix any situation! | Kelly Van Dyke | Donna MacKay | |
| Lab Safety Superstar- Acknowledging individuals who prioritize safety protocols and ensure a safe working environment for themselves and their colleagues. | Tom Bennett | ||
| Data Whisperer- Celebrating researchers who demonstrate exceptional skills in analyzing and interpreting complex data sets. | Phil Ruzycki | ||
| Interdisciplinary Integrator- Celebrating researchers who bridge gaps between different fields of study, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. | Steve Bassnett | ||
| Publication Prodigy- Highlighting researchers who consistently publish high-impact papers in prestigious journals. | Daniel Kerschensteiner | ||
| Technological Trailblazer- Recognizing researchers who leverage cutting-edge technologies to advance their research goals. | Brian Clark |
A Feast from St. Louis’ Best Food Trucks
Guests indulged in a variety of cuisines from 10 of the top food trucks in St. Louis. Whether you craved Philly cheesesteaks from Widdy’s or mouthwatering Cajun BBQ from Treaux’s, there was something for everyone. The food truck lineup included:
Fun for All Ages
The family-friendly atmosphere was buzzing with activities for kids and adults alike. A talented face painter and balloon artist brought smiles to little ones. As the sun set, outdoor movie screenings of Toy Story and Cars added to the entertainment of the evening.
Overall, the event was a great success, bringing the department together to share good food, good company, and a genuine sense of appreciation for all the work that goes into improving vision and eye health.