The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) recently hosted the STAR Awards reception and luncheon to honor employees and celebrate milestone years of service. The event took place on February 25-26 at the Cooley University Life Center, bringing together representatives from various departments within the university.
Karen Spillar, JD, vice president of Human Resources and chief human resources officer at UTHealth Houston, expressed her appreciation during the ceremony. “It is an honor to celebrate our STAR Award recipients and also recipients of the 2024 President’s Awards for Leadership,” she said. “We thank you for being here today and allowing us to recognize your tremendous service.”
Among those recognized for their 45 years of service were K. Lance Gould, MD, Jacqueline Hecht, PhD, and Nancy Wilson from McGovern Medical School.
David Marshak, PhD, a professor at McGovern Medical School with 40 years at UTHealth Houston, shared his reflections: “It doesn’t seem like 40 years. It went by pretty quickly,” he said. He noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of his career has been his research.
Thomas Servos, DDS from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry reflected on his 30-year journey: “It is an honor to be recognized for 30 years of dedication and hard work," he stated. "I’m deeply grateful to the leadership...for the opportunities they have afforded me."
Elda Ramirez, PhD, RN from Cizik School of Nursing spoke about her three decades with UTHealth Houston: “This institution has allowed me to completely reinvent myself for the last 30 years,” she remarked.
Maria Gibson marked her 25th year as a service line administrator at McGovern Medical School by highlighting mentorship's role in her career development: “One of the most rewarding aspects...has been being able to serve as a mentor.”
