We received 85 messages recognizing staff from more than 40 departments and offices across Brown University. A few of these individuals are featured in the 2025 BEAR Day video. All of the messages were shared privately with the recipient, but we received permission to share a few of these messages of gratitude with the greater campus community. Take a moment to read some of these messages below!
Oludurotimi Adetunji, Associate Dean of the College for Undergraduate Research and Inclusive Science
The College
I would like to recognize you for your remarkable passion and dedication to the Undergraduate Research Programs. You remain incredibly positive and fully committed to both the programs and success of the students. Your consistent support and resilience are truly inspiring. Your dedication to your position is commendable.
(Submitted by Linda Sutherland)
Melissa Cote, Administrative and Program Manager
School of Professional Studies, Dean's Office
Dear Melissa,
I cannot thank you enough for your exemplary leadership and thoughtful guidance during my first year or so at Brown. Not only have you given me the chance to start my career, but your advocacy for me and your dedication to my development has given me the opportunity to thrive. You approach every challenge with a no-nonsense "get-it-done-right" attitude and balance with a healthy sense of humor to lighten the mood when things go wrong. You are constantly working behind the scenes to ensure that everything within our department (and others) runs smoothly, and I believe that you could never get enough credit for the effort you bring to work every day. Thank you for all that you do!
My very best,
Grace
(Submitted by Grace Tremblay)
Tracey Ferreira, Grants & Financial Specialist
Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science
Dear Tracey,
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible support you’ve provided in teaching me the intricacies of grant management at the Carney Institute. It’s truly amazing that we’ve had the opportunity to work together again; your presence was a significant factor in my decision to return to Brown University.
Your patience and kindness have profoundly impacted my learning journey. You have an extraordinary ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and detail, ensuring that I grasp every aspect thoroughly. Your dedication to fostering genuine understanding is a rare gift, and it’s evident that you go above and beyond to ensure no detail is overlooked. Your unwavering commitment to my growth has not gone unnoticed.
Thank you for being such an inspiring colleague. Your guidance has not only enhanced my knowledge but has also instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the work we do. I’m truly grateful to have you as a mentor and friend.
(Submitted by Deb Swenson)
Michael Gillardi, Accounts Payable Manager, and the Accounts Payable Team
Controller’s Office, Accounts Payable
On behalf of the Division of Pre-College and Undergraduate Programs, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mike Gillardi and the Accounts Payable team!
The amount of support, patience and expertise you all have provided us not just through the summer, but throughout the entire year, is greatly appreciated.
Words can’t describe how grateful we are. We enjoy working with you and are thankful to have you all as colleagues.
Sincerely,
Ginnelle, Zach, Eric, Lisa
(Submitted by Ginnelle Washington)
Emily Greenberg, Graduate Student Affairs Manager
Department of History
Dear Emily,
You joined the history department only recently but have quickly become an integral part of our community. I look forward to seeing your bright smile in the office and appreciate your new and refreshing ideas when it comes to the graduate program. You work so hard to juggle your profession, continuing education and personal life — a trifecta that is not easy. You should know that you are admired by your colleagues for your work ethic and positive attitude. You are doing a great job!
Warmly,
Dana
(Submitted by Dana Sutcliffe)
Yanilka Hernandez, Manager of BioMed Contracting
Bio Med Administration / Finance and Planning
Dear Yani,
I am writing to recognize and commend you for your exceptional work on BioMed Contracts. Your dedication, expertise and understanding are invaluable to OGC's support role in reviewing these agreements. You have an impressive ability to navigate complex contracts with precision and professionalism. Your attention to detail and proactive approach in reviewing and managing so many agreements are critical to BioMed's mission to advance knowledge and the health and well-being of people and planet. You have truly created a collaborative atmosphere. It doesn't go unnoticed and speaks volumes about your commitment to Brown and your team. Thank you for your hard work and dedication and for going above and beyond in your duties. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and thoroughness. Brown is fortunate to have you on the team, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of your contributions in the future.
(Submitted by Stephanie Robert)
Leah Lebel, Academic Department Manager
Department of Education
Dear Leah,
I can't imagine the education department without you. You are warm and strong, funny and pragmatic, and most of all, you are the personification of love. Thank you for all you do and for making all of our work possible.
With love always,
Diane
(Submitted by Diane Silva Pimentel)
Lily Lustig, Communications Coordinator
Institute at Brown for Environment & Society
Dear Lily,
It’s hard to believe we’ve been working together for only a year — I truly feel like we’re an incredible duo, a dream team! Your skill as a writer and content creator has always been impressive, and watching you dive into website management, event promotion and graphic design with such enthusiasm has been truly inspiring. Your attention to detail and creativity shine through in every project, and your positive attitude and willingness to "Pivot!" whenever needed all make you such an invaluable colleague. You consistently produce top-tier work, and your dedication to IBES is helping to take us to new heights! Oh, the places we'll go… :)
I’m so grateful to get to work with you every day! Thank you for all you do.
Best,
Jess
(Submitted by Jessica Warrington)
Eric Manthei, Financial Coordinator
Office of Financial Strategy & Planning, Budget, Planning and Analysis
Not only are you one of the nicest people you will ever meet, but your work is just about flawless. There is no other part of the University where I can rely on such quick and accurate work as when I call on you. You are such an asset to Brown and make accounting work fun!
(Submitted by Katherine Schott)
Courtney Oakley, Assistant Director, Talent Acquisition
University Human Resources
Dear Courtney,
I jumped at this opportunity right away because the entire Brown community needs to know who we have among us! I want to first thank you for always being you; you show up, you give 100%, you are genuine, you are always there to help with anything and everything! I also want to thank you for being an ear; you are always welcoming conversations, you listen to life events and work events, and you are appreciated. Thank you for always pushing me outside of my comfort zone, for the many opportunities you present. You are indeed a great leader, a true and authentic person, and an amazing friend! You have no idea how much of an impact you really have — you are appreciated! One day isn't enough to recognize you, but I am glad that I had the opportunity to do so, you really should have a Courtney Day!
Thank you for all you do!
(Submitted by Kemi Price)
Amanda Ruggieri, Faculty Affairs Manager
Department of Cognitive and Psychological Sciences
Amanda, you're such an asset to your department and to the University. I've really enjoyed working with you. You GET things, you ask the right questions and you make my job so much easier. You're thorough, thoughtful and, above all, pleasant! Your work this year with the DoF has been instrumental for making much needed improvements to the system that will benefit many for years to come. I hope that we get to continue working closely together to bring your international visitors and faculty to campus. THANK YOU!
(Submitted by Laura Beth Montague)
Nancy Safian, Academic Department Manager
Department of History of Art & Architecture
Dear Nancy,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I could not ask for a better supervisor, mentor and friend. Your dedication to your work and the community within and outside of campus has been inspirational and humbling. I can only hope to model even a fraction of how hardworking and caring you are day in and day out. These last three years have been tumultuous for a number of reasons, but I always know I can count on you, your leadership, and your endless kindness. Thank you.
(Submitted by Carina Haden)
Stephanie Santucci, Assistant Director of Occupational Health & Safety
Environmental Health & Safety
Dear Stephanie,
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your exceptional leadership and unwavering support. Your visionary mindset, forward-thinking approach, and compassion have made a tremendous impact not only on me but on the entire team.
Working under your guidance has been an incredible learning experience. Your ability to see the bigger picture, coupled with your understanding nature, has created an environment where growth and innovation flourish. You've always made me feel valued, encouraged, and supported — whether through challenges or successes.
The lessons I’ve learned from you, both professionally and personally, have shaped my perspective and contributed to my development in ways I will always cherish. I’m grateful for the time and effort you’ve invested in helping me grow, and I look forward to continuing this journey under your inspiring leadership.
Thank you for everything you do. Your influence goes far beyond the workplace.
(Submitted by Melissa Trudeau)
Corey Silvia, Grants and Finance Manager
Population Studies and Training Center
Dear Corey,
“Organized,” “collaborative,” “talented”…
“Amazing,” “generous,” “the best”…
These are some of the sentiments I have heard again and again from faculty, staff and students. I couldn’t agree more. Having you as a colleague at the Population Studies and Training Center is one of the things I love about working at Brown. Thank you for your expert assistance managing grant submissions and so much more. Your calm and patience — amidst the flurry of time-sensitive tasks — and your positive expressions of “I’ll help you” (and then doing just that) from the small things like making and inserting a table or figure, to the big things like making time for a new submission when you already have a full plate. You are a true partner and collaborator. Your good work makes those around you shine — I just want to reflect a bit of that shine that right back at you. We couldn’t do it without you. You’re the best. Thank you.
(Submitted by Susan Short)
Daniel Wiffin, Training Program Coordinator
School of Public Health, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies
Dear Dan,
Thank you for all that you do for the postdoc training program at CAAS! The program is very lucky to have you!
(Submitted by David Zelaya)
Kristina Wilk, Associate Director, Annual Giving
Brown Annual Fund, Reunion Giving
Kristina, you are an anchor for our team. You are not shy with your wisdom and expertise. And you handle every situation with grace. With all the moving parts and quick pivots on a daily basis, your leadership of our team helps me know that the work we are doing is making a difference. Thank you for all that you do!
(Submitted by Nicole McGhee)