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If you work at UVA Health, you’ve probably been supported in many ways by Environmental Services (EVS), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), and/or Rewards and Recognition (R&R). Now, for the second consecutive year, UVA Health has held a Garden of Appreciation event to express gratitude to EVS, FNS, and R&R team members who usually are the ones supporting others.

Best Place to Work

Garden of Appreciation organizers included Office of the CEO of University Medical Center Administrative Fellows Emin Ahsan, MHA, Zachary S. Evans, MS, PMP, and Hannah Hawthorne, MHA; and Shenia Thompson, MBA, MSHM, Administrator, Hospitality and Support Services.

Leaders and others served lunch to and mingled with more than 150 team members who attended the event at the UVA Health University Medical Center Dining Rooms on Jan. 31. On the menu: salad, southern greens mains, salmon, chicken breast, vegetarian bruschetta pasta, sauteed French beans, macaroni and cheese, mini cheesecakes, and fruit tarts.

'Shining a Light'

“Helping to organize the Garden of Appreciation event has been a deeply meaningful experience,” describes Thompson. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the teams’ tireless dedication, recognize the essential role they play in our daily lives, and show gratitude for the care and commitment they bring to their work. This event is about more than just appreciation — it’s about shining a light on their invaluable contributions and ensuring they feel seen, valued, and respected."

'Always Going the Extra Mile'

“Our EVS, FNS, and R&R teams give so much to UVA Health every single day,” says UVA Health University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton, PhD, MBA, FACHE. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your impact is felt in every corner of the medical center. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to celebrate your dedication and express our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for your service, for always going the extra mile, and for the special touches that make a difference every day!”

“As I reflect on the joy and togetherness that our celebrations bring to University Medical Center, I am continually reminded of the dedication and commitment of our EVS, FNS, and R&R teams, who make these events possible,” says UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Min Lee, MHA, MBA. “These team members often work tirelessly behind the scenes and don't get to participate in the festivities themselves. The Garden of Appreciation is our way of giving back to them — an opportunity to show gratitude, serve them a meal, and give them a moment to relax and feel celebrated. I'm inspired by their daily contributions and by the leaders who stepped up to make this event truly special.”

“It’s very important to me to show gratitude for these team members — for not only the exceptional New Year Celebration earlier this year — but also for the amazing work they do every day to care for our patients, team members, and community!” says Lorie Hubbard, Radiology Manager, Quality, Compliance, and Accreditation. “It was such an honor to be able to serve them, and while it felt like a small gesture, I felt their appreciation to be recognized. As [motivational writer] Arthur Ward said, ‘Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.’ I am so grateful I was able to participate this year in recognizing these teams!”

‘A Sense of Belonging’

Among the guests: Adriana Rodriguez, who’s been working as an Administrative Assistant for FNS for several months. “I’m glad all the involved team members were included in this invitation and recognized equally. It’s important to feel appreciated when you put in the hard work.”

Elibeth Villamizar echoes the sentiment. She’s been working for two years in Talent Acquisition for FNS. “I’m grateful we had this celebration. Everyone was thrilled to see their photos on the screen during the event — it gave them a sense of belonging to UVA Health. They are proud to have participated and to know their efforts are recognized.”

“It's nice to be appreciated for the hard work that we do for other team members,” says Josh Richard, Sous Chef, FNS.

Karen Gentry, System HR Manager, FNS, agreed: “It was lovely to see our team appreciated for their teamwork! It was joyful to all who attended!”