2024 Recipients
2024 Recipients
Spring 2024
Congratulations to the following recipients of our Spring 2024 CARE Awards, who were recognized during the college's annual Points of Pride event in October.
Classified
Christina Baumann, Administrative Specialist, Athens
Christina Baumann is nominated for a CARE award due to her essential behind-the-scenes work that ensures the smooth operation of many critical processes at the college, including the event-booking process. She also manages the weekly Athens student newsletter and continuously seeks improvements for the team and students. Additionally, she plays a vital role in Commencement, Orientation, Student Organizations, and ongoing Website updates. Christina's contributions are invaluable, and her team cannot imagine managing their tasks without her.
Clarissa Brown, Records Management Senior Specialist, Athens
Clarissa Brown is recognized as an outstanding employee whose attention to detail and willingness to take on new projects without complaint make her an invaluable member of the OME team. Recently, she covered both Records Management Senior Specialist roles for approximately two months, processing grades for about 500 students and submitting 503 grade change forms. In this and other tasks, Clarissa went above and beyond the normal expectations of her position, maintaining the high quality of the student experience at HCOM.
Administrative
Kayla Duty, PhD, Assistant Director, Student Affairs, Dublin
Dr. Duty is being recognized for going above and beyond to ensure all the students on the Dublin campus not only are having their needs met, but also are prioritizing their wellness. The students in the small group she coached last semester say they feel lucky to have her because of the way she has helped and encouraged them to grow, reflect, and take care of themselves throughout the semester. Dr. Duty is clearly attuned to all students' situations, and she genuinely cares about what they need.
Stacy Hayes, MSS, RN, Academic Program Administrator, Athens
Students have referred to Stacy Hayes as, "an awesome human being" on evaluations, and her co-workers would whole-heartedly agree. Above and beyond her exemplary work with our students during the Y3 and Y4 clinical rotations, Stacy is extremely knowledgeable about HCOM processes and operations, and she serves on many workgroups to help improve our systems and the student's overall educational experience. She is a kind, encouraging mentor to newer APAs and strongly contributes to our team's cohesiveness through her respectfulness and professionalism.
Faculty
Wei-Ming Duan, MD, PhD, Professor of Instruction, Cleveland
Dr. Duan is highly praised by his students for his exceptional teaching skills, positivity, and dedication to student success. His engaging and caring approach has significantly impacted their learning experience. Students commend Dr. Duan for his extensive knowledge, humility, and ability to make anatomy interesting and accessible. He genuinely cares for students' well-being, and his positive energy and enthusiasm in the anatomy lab encourage students to engage deeply with the material, making even the most difficult topics manageable.
Adrianne Frech, PhD, Associate Professor, Cleveland
Dr. Frech is described as an incredible person, mentor, and leader. She leads by example and sets a high standard. In class, she is always well-prepared and explains difficult concepts clearly. In small group settings, Dr. Frech embodies professionalism and respect, recognizing the challenges medical students face and providing ways to address these concerns while validating students' feelings. Her insights on navigating a male-dominated field and commanding respect in the workplace have been particularly helpful. Dr. Frech deeply cares about her students' success, and it shows.
Fall 2024
Congratulations to the following recipients of our Fall 2024 CARE Awards!
Classified
Jill Montle, Administrative Specialist, Athens
Jill Montle is a dedicated and proactive Administrative Specialist for the Office of Research and Grants at the Heritage College. She goes above and beyond in her duties, managing complex tasks and ensuring smooth operations during transitions. Jill's exceptional problem-solving skills, reliability, and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to the team. Her contributions to the Diabetes Institute and her willingness to support colleagues exemplify her commitment to the college's mission and vision.
Becky Vinson, Administrative Specialist, Athens
Becky Vinson has provided exceptional support to the Cleveland campus staff, particularly during a period of staff vacancy. She is known for her professionalism, prompt responses, and efficiency, ensuring seamless financial and administrative support. Becky's willingness to take on additional responsibilities, such as assisting with budgetary and Concur support for the Office of Inclusion, showcases her dedication and team spirit. Her colleagues greatly appreciate her invaluable guidance and consistent availability.
Administrative
Terry Porter, MA, Associate Director, Admissions & Outreach, Dublin
Terry is an exemplary leader who significantly contributes to the community at OU-HCOM Dublin. He is involved in various initiatives, including Pre-DOc and BeCOMe U, and often dedicates his weekends to encouraging prospective students from central Ohio. Terry's unwavering support and mentorship have positively impacted many students, helping them overcome challenges and realize their potential. Terry’s commitment and dedication make him a deserving recipient of the CARE Award.
Dawn Mollica, BA, ORUP Administrative Director, Athens
Dawn is a dedicated team member who contributes greatly to the huge task of interviewing prospective students every year. Recently, when another interviewer had to call off sick on the day they were scheduled to conduct interviews, Dawn rearranged her schedule at the last minute to step in, taking on a role she had never done before. A reviewer praised her cheerfulness as well as her fearless, can-do attitude. Congratulations, Dawn!
Faculty
Leanne Chrisman-Khawam, MD, MEd, Assistant Professor, Cleveland
Leanne Chrisman-Khawam is an empathetic educator and leader who directs the Transformative Care Continuum (TCC) program. She has created impactful initiatives such as the DOTS program to aid homeless populations. Known for integrating clinical experience with medical education, Dr. Chrisman-Khawam inspires her students through her commitment to holistic medicine and community service, making her a deserving nominee for recognition.
Fabian Benencia, PhD, Associate Professor, Athens
Fabian Benencia is a dedicated and tireless team member who balances his student-facing and faculty-facing roles with remarkable efficiency. Known for his mentorship, Fabian provides invaluable guidance to colleagues, helping them overcome professional challenges. His commitment and leadership have made a significant impact on the academic community, and despite stepping down from his role as pre-clinical curriculum director, he remains a trusted source of support.