June 26, 2025 — For Wendy Wood, working with surgeons to support them providing the best care possible to patients has been a highlight of her career.

“It’s amazing to see the connections the surgeons make with their patients and their families, and the compassion they bring,” said Wood, an administrative assistant celebrating five years of continuous service at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Although the average worker spends about four years with their employer, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for hundreds of staff members at the UF College of Medicine, their employment represents a long-term career and calling.  On Wednesday, nearly 100 staff members from across all 27 departments gathered in the George T. Harrell, M.D., Medical Education Building for the college’s first Employee Service Awards event since 2019.

The Office of the Dean reestablished this annual event to recognize employees celebrating milestone anniversaries in increments of five, ranging from five to 40 continuous years with the College of Medicine. Chief Operating Officer Tammy Williams, M.H.A., championed the event in collaboration with members of the College of Medicine human resources team, based on feedback from focus groups.

Richanne Lamb, SHRM-SCP, interim director of human resources, shared with attendees that although over the years many of the processes and tools people use in their roles may have changed, their devotion to the college’s mission has remained the same.

“Today is one of those meaningful moments I celebrate with you, where we get to pause and recognize our achievements and also the people who make up the College of Medicine,” she said. “Your service doesn’t just reflect time. It reflects institutional knowledge, meaningful impact and a deep sense of commitment.”

During the celebration, employees were treated to breakfast and a goodie bag of College of Medicine-branded items. Employees celebrating up to 25 years of service were verbally recognized, while those celebrating 30 or more years with the college received a certificate.

Mike Matheny, a scientific laboratory manager celebrating 30 years with the College of Medicine, said he has long found meaning in his work of developing gene therapy vectors.

“I came to school here, so being on campus kind of represents my entire adult life,” he said.

Interim dean Jennifer Hunt, M.D., M.Ed., who also celebrates five years of service to the college, shared with the event attendees that beyond the buildings, state-of-the-art equipment and curriculum delivered, the college is about the people.

“A college is a group of people who share a purpose and a mission and accomplish great things together,” she said. “So, when we say the College of Medicine, what we mean is always you, and all of us. The college is strong, and vibrant, and amazing and does great work through and because of the people who sit within our four walls.”

For Virginia Allen, a compliance auditor specialist supervisor celebrating 25 years of service, the people in her unit keep the days fun as they audit physician records and review billing policies.

“I’m lucky I have a great supervisor and wonderful colleagues,” she said. “In my time, when you found a good job you stayed there, and UF is a great place to work.”