BRIEF: Employee Appreciation Event Highlights Staff Commitment and Service

With a combination of delicious food, lively conversation, and heartfelt recognition, last Friday’s Employee Appreciation Event at Urban Wild Boston offered MGH Institute employees a moment to pause and celebrate the hard work they have put in. 

“This is a special Employee Appreciation Day, because today is also National Higher Education Day,” said President Paula Milone-Nuzzo during her opening remarks. “I hope that you will take a couple of minutes today to reflect on the amazing contributions that you all have made to higher education and the world by preparing the next generation of healthcare providers. Your work is so very important, and I can't thank you enough for it.” 

The annual event has become a cherished tradition, allowing MGH Institute employees to recognize not only the accomplishments achieved over the academic year, but also the community created through mutual support. 

“Your contributions combined to make us a greater place to learn, work and serve,” shared Milone-Nuzzo. 

Each year, one staff member is honored as Employee of the Year for their contributions. This year, nine employees were nominated: 

• Luella Benn, Office of Student Affairs and Services 

• Colleen Casey, Physician Assistant Studies 

• Ellen Foley, Office of the Provost 

• Linda Henry, School of Nursing 

• Michael Moody, Office of the Provost 

• Eliana Palumbo, Center for Interprofessional Education and Practice 

• Sheila Regan, Physical Therapy 

• Lindsay Sundberg, School of Healthcare Leadership 

• Callie Watkins Liu, Mission, Values, and Community Excellence 

After careful review by a committee of past recipients, staff council chairs, and executive leaders, this year’s award went to Ellen Foley from the Office of the Provost, who had an impressive seven nominations from faculty, staff, leadership, a student and a community partner. 

Ellen’s impact, leadership, and service has been felt both throughout campus and in her community. 

“Ellen is integral to Impact Day,” shared a colleague. “She ensures smooth coordination among students, faculty and community partners, whether organizing service activities, overseeing logistics or providing thoughtful leadership for patients and attention to detail make a lasting difference year after year.” 

Beyond her role at the Institute, Foley's volunteer work at the Harvard Kent Elementary School has also changed the daily lives of kindergarteners.