Matt DeAngelis

Patience & Resourcefulness

Matt DeAngelis, a nurse practitioner at the Occupational Health Center in Environmental Health & Safety, said Administrative Associate Syndey Aguilar "makes my life a little easier every day." Matt added: "Diligence, resourcefulness, and lots of patience are some of the attributes that make me very thankful for the good fortune of working with Syndey."

Ann George

Valerie Kiszka

Valerie Kiszka, administrative services manager in the Classics Department, is thankful for Ann George, Assistant Dean of Research and Graduate Policy in the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education. "Ann is a kind and generous expert whose roles cover training on Graduate Financial Systems policy, consulting on unusual funding situations for graduate students and postdocs, and mentoring staff to name but a few," Valerie said. "She embraces her roles with collegiality, patience, thoughtfulness, efficiency, and does so within allowable guidelines."

Mary Jeanne Oliva

Expertise & Knowledge

Mary Jeanne Oliva, student services officer in the Biomedical Informatics Training Program at the School of Medicine is grateful for Maureen Panganiban, student services officer in the Institute for Immunity Transplantation and Infection, also in the School of Medicine. Mary Jeanne said she appreciates Maureen for organizing working group sessions for her and fellow student services officers that aid in their job knowledge and competency. "Maureen is a great team player who facilitates sharing information and best practices among the student services officers," Mary Jeanne said.

Debbie Barney

Ardis Walling

Ardis Walling, office manager and receptionist in the Music Department at the Braun Music Center, appreciates Debbie Barney, chair's secretary and graduate student services officer in the same department. "Debbie is knowledgeable about everything Stanford," Ardis said. "She is alert to the needs of students, faculty and staff, and she willingly shares her expertise to make the Music Department hum."

Innovation, Creativity & Continuous Improvement

Anna Weidell, associate director of programs and marketing at the Graduate School of Business Executive Education Program, is grateful for Mariah Cox, web development manager in the same program. "Mariah is an optimistic, creative, energetic, collaborative team member," Anna said. "Her tireless commitment to the GSB Executive Education is an inspiring model to all. Regardless of her workload, she volunteers to take on additional tasks as needed to help her colleagues and to ensure the department achieves its results. As busy as she is, she still finds time to innovate and she does all of this with a smile!"

Suzi Weersing

Priscilla Fiden

Priscilla Fiden, assistant dean and director of academic services in the School of Education, is thankful for Suzi Weersing, associate dean of graduate and undergraduate studies in the School of Humanities and Sciences. "I'm grateful for Suzi's dedication to the university," Priscilla said. "She's always thinking about how she can improve life at Stanford for students, staff and faculty."

Philip Pizzo

Sharon Reinbott

Dedication & Respect

Sharon Reinbott, senior business analyst in the Office of Information Resources & Technology (IRT) at the School of Medicine, is grateful for Philip Pizzo, Dean of the School of Medicine. "Dean Phil Pizzo has created an extraordinary organization of dedication and respect at the School of Medicine."

Elizabeth Gardner

Beth Duff-Brown

Coaching & Mentorship

Beth Duff-Brown, public affairs manager in The Freeman Spogli Institute's Center for International Security and Cooperation, is thankful for her boss Elizabeth Gardner, associate director for administration and external affairs. "Liz brought me to Stanford a few short months ago and has already become one of the best bosses I've ever had," Beth said. "She's engaged, focused and goes out of her way to ensure that I thrive in my job."

Jeanette Lindsay

Andrew Kloak

Andrew Kloak, faculty affairs administrator in the Department of Neurosurgery at the School of Medicine, is grateful for Jeanette Lindsay, career education programs manager in University Human Resources. "She has made life at Stanford so much better because she helps not just me, but many people to take ownership of their careers at Stanford," Andrew said. "Not only is she continuing to refine her processes and knowledge-level on careers at Stanford, but she is helping me to rise to high levels in these areas as well."

Ken Smeton, faculty assistant at the Graduate School of Business, is appreciative of Barbara McCarthy, technical resource coordinator, who he considers a mentor. "Her technical ability, far-reaching knowledge and uniquely buoyant personality made getting up-to-speed a real treat," Ken said. "Barbara prepared me for just about every conceivable scenario by having prepared materials ready for me on my first day and was always able to answer quick questions with answers and authority. But most of all, it is her accessibility that makes Barbara truly exceptional. She's a gem!"

Kerry Garcia

Dependability & Support

Kerry Garcia, assistant to the chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the School of Medicine, is grateful for Roy Tyra, administrative associate in the School of Medicine HR Cluster. "Roy has a remarkable work ethic," Kerry said. "He is tremendously helpful, skilled and kind. His communication skills are enviable and the speed in which he accomplishes a task makes him dependable, reliable and trusted. I am thankful to have him as a resource and for his generous support."

Noel Kolak, assistant director for research at the Hoover Institution, appreciates colleague Christina Ansel, employment specialist. "I am thankful to Christina because she is the most helpful, resourceful, intelligent, and considerate colleague that anyone could possibly hope to have!" Noel said.

Nancy Podesta, assistant manager in Stanford Alumni Association's finance and accounting area, is thankful for Sue Ritz, senior fund accountant in the Controller's Office. "Sue is just the best!" said Nancy. "So helpful and always so nice."

Adeline Shrewsbury

Debra Panasuk, finance specialist for the Institute for Immunity Transplantation and Infection in the School of Medicine, appreciates Adeline Shrewsbury, service centers and special projects manager in the Controller's Office at the School of Medicine. "Adeline has taught me a lot, from billing to income codes," Debra said. "I could not have done it without her diligent and considerate support every step of the way."

Camaraderie & Fun

Laura Harwood, program coordinator for emergency preparedness in Environmental Health & Safety, is grateful for Robyn Barron, administrative associate in the same unit. "Robyn is a pleasure to sit next to," Laura said. "She is always there to give me a good laugh and to make my day a little brighter!"

Everyone who works at Stanford is a member of our community, and whether it's at Thanksgiving or any other time of the year, appreciating each other's efforts is part of our culture of collegiality. Who are you thankful for at Stanford? Take time to tell someone this holiday season why you are grateful for him or her.