Applause, music and a packed room set the tone on April 22 as more than 300 CU Anschutz staff members were honored at the Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff and Service Award Reception.
This year’s event expanded to bring several recognitions together — celebrating award recipients, milestone years of service and Employees of the Month in a single gathering focused on the people who keep the campus moving forward.
“Today, we take a moment to recognize our university’s most important strength: you,” said Chancellor Don Elliman. “CU Anschutz is a massive enterprise, one that requires the talent and hard work of thousands every day. We simply could not deliver on our mission without you.”
Chancellor's Outstanding Staff and Supervisor Awards
Six awardees were selected from more than 100 nominations for the inaugural Chancellor's Outstanding Staff and Supervisor Awards — a new program recognizing exemplary staff members for service, innovation and leadership.
- Katherine Brumfield, Colorado School of Public Health
- Jacob Green, Division of Internal Medicine
- Carl Johnson, Student Affairs
- Wendy Kisicki, Strauss Health Sciences Library
- Michelle Middleton, Department of Medicine
- Elise Shalowitz, Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine
Milestone Years of Service
The celebration also honored 348 staff members who reached 10 or more years of service in 2025, including eight who surpassed 30 years and two who marked an extraordinary 40-year milestone. Their long-standing commitment reflects the deep institutional knowledge and dedication that help CU Anschutz thrive.
At 30 years are:
- Amy Gannon, Office of Grants & Contracts
- Thomas Gilfillan, CU Anschutz School of Medicine
- Ruth Hernandez, Facilities Management
- Nicole Manning, CU Anschutz Cancer Center
- Trenton Norman, CU Anschutz School of Medicine
- Angela Ohm, CU Anschutz School of Medicine
- Kristina Terrell, CU Anschutz Cancer Center
- Teisan Zheng, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
At 40 years are:
- Patti Balodis, CU Anschutz School of Medicine
- Ginger Johnson, Department of Medicine
Employee of the Month Recipients
The event also recognized the 2025 Staff Council Employee of the Month recipients, highlighting individuals who go above and beyond in their roles and are nominated by their peers for their impact.
- January: Mariyah Jones, CU Anschutz College of Nursing
- February: Kayla Scroggins, CU Anschutz School of Medicine
- March: Carlos Miron, CU Anschutz College of Nursing
- April: Britney Ross, CU Anschutz Cancer Center
- May: Daniela Venzor Majalca, CU Anschutz College of Nursing
- June: Colleen Gardner, CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine
- July: Ryan Grip, CU Anschutz School of Medicine
- August: Gabi Oliva Montes, Center for Bioethics and Humanities
- September: Melinda Jultak, CU Anschutz College of Nursing
- October: Bret Turner, Environmental Health & Safety
- November: Melanie Mascorro, CU Anschutz School of Medicine
- December: Christopher Hrivnak, CU Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Honorees enjoyed live music from Thunder Hill Jazz Band, as well as treats and giveaways, as a thank you for their dedication. All CU Anschutz staff members who reach milestone anniversaries of 5 or more years receive a commemorative CU Anschutz certificate honoring their service.
Together, the event served as a reminder of the people behind the work – and the collective effort that drives our campus forward.
Check out some fun photos from the event!
