“I
feel this award cements what we are trying to accomplish in the department and
our greater community in general. We want to create an environment that
represents every member within our department and hear their voice. This award
is just an extension of our DEIJ committee's hard work and commitment
to DEIJ values,” said Dr. Sharma.
Staff
member Ethel Kussow received the 2023 Lynn Wakefield Unsung Hero Award. She is
currently a grants and contracts administrator. This staff award recognizes
employees who demonstrate exemplary reliability in the execution of duties without
expectation of recognition. It encourages and reinforces IU School of
Medicine’s core values of cooperation and excellence.
“I
have not been gainfully employed for several years as I made the decision to
stay at home with my children while they were growing up. This award is quite
special to me as it validates my growth as a person and as a mother. I’d like
to think that the lessons I learned as a mother of 3 carried over to my work
ethic – curiosity, humility, patience, and having purposeful and appropriate
responses to situations. Winning the award was truly unexpected and rewarding,”
said Ethel.