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Problem Solvers and Care Givers: Top UVA Employees Honored

The University of Virginia has honored 11 employees for exemplary service, presenting them with Outstanding Contributor Awards. The awards are granted in honor of former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Leonard W. Sandridge who, in his 44 years of service to UVA, was a consistent champion of University staff.The winners, who each receive $1,000 and an engraved gift, were honored at a reception last month.RELATED STORYEducation, Engineering Online Programs Make Strong Showing in U.S. News Rankings

Scott Adams, UVA FinanceAdams was lauded for efforts to keep Carruthers Hall open and accessible during the pandemic, overseeing technical upgrades of conference rooms and offices so remote workers could efficiently coordinate with in-person staff.“The Carruthers Zoom Rooms are the envy of many at UVA for their reliability, ease of use and the seamless integration with personal devices,” colleague Bill Ashby wrote.Adams also facilitated the installation of video doorbells and cameras so visitors could be greeted and directed to their destinations while minimizing contact when COVID-19 was a high threat to public health.“Scott’s mantra was it should not matter which guest showed up … or which office they were looking for,” Steve Kimata wrote, “they should be warmly welcomed and treated with consistent excellence.”Melissa F. Clarke, Business OperationsClarke, a 28-year employee, oversees finances for a vast array of University services, including housing, dining, parking and child-care centers. She has also served in working groups to improve and modernize the University’s finance and business operations.Colleague Collette Sheehy called Clarke’s contributions to the University “remarkable but often overlooked.”“Melissa is always willing to go above and beyond to help colleagues resolve complicated issues with patience and rigor, no matter how much extra time is required of her,” Sheehy wrote.Jane T. Pace, McIntire School of CommercePace also was recognized for efforts during the pandemic, keeping the Commerce School thriving during the challenging time. The work included transitioning students to online-learning platforms while helping faculty members learn how to use them.In her 36 years at UVA, Pace has been at the forefront of several important endeavors. Colleagues described her as “unflappable” and “energetic.”“Mere mortals can’t keep up,” co-worker Rob Patterson wrote.

Delores B. Roberts, Office of the ProvostLike other award winners, Roberts was praised for her pandemic efforts. She is credited with keeping the provost office staff virtually connected with the rest of the University and staff off Grounds.Roberts also helped facilitate several professional-development opportunities for faculty across Grounds and assisted in planning multiple special events, including everything from “small office gatherings to national conferences.”

“It would be impossible for us to deliver the quality faculty development programs that we are able to provide without her expertise and proactive, positive attention to every detail,” colleagues wrote in a nomination letter.

Gail Shirley-Warren, Virginia Humanities

Shirley-Warren, who recently retired after serving the University for 39 years, was the chief financial officer and the steward of funding that averages $5 million yearly. Virginia Humanities helps produce a number of community events and resources, including the Virginia Festival of the Book and the “With Good Reason” radio program.

“Gail is often the behind-the-scenes person that keeps our work and department not just running, but thriving,” Matthew Sweegan Gibson wrote in a nominating letter.

Known for her “precision and clarity” in budgeting, Shirley-Warren was also recognized for pursuing diversity and equity in hiring decisions.

Leigh A. Gauriloff, Nurse, Patient Care Services

Gauriloff, a nurse who has grown to manage a team of medical professionals, was applauded for several initiatives at the UVA Medical Center that made the facility a more efficient and safer place.

Colleagues who nominated Gauriloff for the award noted she led her charges through the difficult circumstances of COVID-19, managing a sometimes-thin staff that covered wider areas of the hospital, and navigated the challenges of increased staff turnover.

Her nursing colleagues wrote that, although Gauriloff as a supervisor “may be wearing slacks and business shoes instead of scrubs and a stethoscope around her neck,” she is quick to jump into bedside care when needed.

“Leigh has been the bridge between senior leadership and front-line care,” a co-worker wrote in Gauriloff’s nomination letter. “She values and encourages the opinions of others and is quick to partner or provide guidance in breaking down barriers.”

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