Staff news April 2025

Office for Sustainability Outreach and Engagement Manager Lela Garner was named Virginia Green Travel All-Star for her leadership of Green Games and the positive impact that initiative has had on waste reduction efforts at UVA.

Bill Morris and Chris Gray: Earlier we had a situation where a family was leaving with a deceased infant to take them for burial. The process was time sensitive due to the parent's religious beliefs. While helping the family load their belongings, the team had difficulty detaching the infant casket. Bill and Chris were working on the art walls in the lobby and immediately loaned us their tools so we could assist the family. They didn't bat an eye when I approached hurriedly with an odd request. They even offered me options and to run back to the shop to get an additional item if needed. Thanks to their help, we were able to provide the family what they needed, and they made the trip to their mosque with-in the accepted time frame. Thank you Bill and Chris for stepping in and ensuring we were able to honor the parent's wishes during an incredibly difficult time. – Erynn Langhans, UVA Health Patient Care Services

Rodney Spencer: I just wanted to send some kudos about one of your incredible team members, Rodney Spencer. Rodney was my maintenance specialist when we were on 4 Central so we have always had a great relationship, but he went above and beyond for me on March 5. I had a new hire summer extern, who was coming up to tour our unit, and while I gave her instructions as to how to get here, she ended up getting lost somewhere between the 11th Street Garage and the main hospital. Rodney happened to see her and asked if she needed any help. She told him that she knew she was to go to the 5th floor but could not remember what else. He asked her who the manager of the unit was and when she told him it was me, he walked her right over to my office. This was service beyond all else and it was a wonderful first impression to this Nurse extern, who may want a job here at UVA when she graduates, of UVA team members living our ASPRE values. I am so appreciative to Rodney and all he does, and I hope that you will pass along my gratitude. – Taralyn Wear, UVA Health Transplant Services

Steven Favreau, trades utility senior worker in Health System Physical Plant, retired March 13 after 13 years of service. Favreau first joined FM in 2012 and worked on the HSPP Renovations electrical team under Dean Lackey performing numerous renovations and improvements in UVA Health buildings. Favreau completed electrical classes during his time at UVA and graduated from Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center in 2018. Check out photos from Steven Favreau's retirement gathering.