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By GRACE HAMMERSTROM When Michelle Ferrari’s supervisor called a staff meeting to make an announcement about the department, her first thought was that bad news was on its way. What she found out instead came as a huge surprise. The staff gathering was called in her honor. She had been chosen to receive a School of Medicine Spirit Award. A similar scenario unfolded at nearby Lane Library, where library specialist Ally Starrett, known for organizing staff parties, was ordering a cake for what the head of her department described as a special all-staff announcement. Everyone in the department, including Starrett, was concerned that the gathering was called to announce bad news. But to her relief, Starrett discovered she’d won the Spirit Award, too.
Ally Starrett (with plaque) and Michelle Ferrari (right) are shown receiving the School of Medicine’s Spirit Award. A library specialist and a nurse, both were caught off guard when learning of their honor. PHOTO: VISUAL ART SERVICES The Spirit Award program was implemented last year to acknowledge staff members for their outstanding contributions to the vision of the School of Medicine. The letters, S-P-I-R-I-T, spell out the qualities recognized in the award recipients — service orientation, positive attitude, initiative, resourcefulness/reliability, innovation and being a team player. The awards include a $1,000 cash prize and an "A" parking sticker. Both Ferrari and Starrett received their awards formally from Philip Pizzo, MD, dean of the School of Medicine, at the annual staff recognition banquet in November. A stranger to the spotlight Of the award, Ferrari said it was a total surprise. "It’s not very often one of us is recognized for our efforts," said Ferrari, a research nurse in the urology department who specializes in prostate and breast cancer genomics research. "The award is a real honor. It encourages me to be better and to support others." Ferrari does admit to being a little embarrassed by the attention. "I’m not one to be in the spotlight," she said. "I eloped when we got married because I didn’t want to get up in front of people." Her colleague James Brooks, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Urology, can attest to that fact. "Michelle is incredibly dedicated and hard-working," he said. "She is always willing to devote extra effort to all of her projects and is oriented toward getting results. But when projects are completed, she takes pains to deflect credit away from herself." Ferrari started at Stanford in 1979 and worked in Stanford Hospital as a nurse until 1984. When she applied for a research nurse position in urology, she never thought she’d enjoy the work as much as she does. "It’s very challenging and rewarding," Ferrari said, especially when her department finds a new drug or treatment for prostate cancer. Ferrari has assisted on countless studies, has witnessed firsthand important discoveries and is excited about the work she is currently conducting on breast cancer research. Librarian’s positive attitude Starrett, a library specialist for Lane Library, assists seven librarians on a day-to-day basis. In addition to her regular responsibilities, she often helps out in the computer lab, the interlibrary loan area, and in the archives and special collections departments. "I’m a jack of all trades," said Starrett, who’s been at Lane for five years. "Anyone who needs help, I’m there." When asked why she was nominated for this award, Starrett replied, "Because of my smile. I always beam with happiness." But she’s quick to point out her amazement at being chosen. "I look around at others in the department who do more than I, and wonder why me?" Starrett was honored for her resourcefulness and service orientation. "I’m a team player," she said. But it’s her positive attitude that makes her a standout. If someone’s down, she’s quick to pick up their spirits by throwing a party. In fact, Starrett used part of her Spirit Award winnings to treat her whole department to a Chinese lunch. She brought in flowers from her garden, and, of course, ordered a cake. "It was a good way to start a new year," she said. A native of the Philippines, Starrett met her husband, a Peace Corps volunteer, while working as a librarian at the high school where he was assigned. Before coming to Lane Library five years ago, Starrett also held positions at the University of Maryland library and the National Geographic library.
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Four Packard Grace Award recipients for 2002 come from diverse backgrounds, filling diverse roles (12/11/02) |
Stanford Report, January 29, 2003
