June 20, 2013 — Four Harvard School of Public Health staff members and a cashier at Sebastian’s Café were among the 60 individuals honored as Harvard Heroes at a University-wide ceremony in Sanders Theatre on June 13, 2013. Each was nominated by his or her peers for exemplifying such criteria as “Making Harvard a Great Place to Work, Teach, and Learn,” “Providing Service Excellence,” or “Delivering on Harvard’s Goals for Sustainability.”
President Drew Faust summarized each honoree’s accomplishments during the ceremony. Below are her remarks.
Rachel Boschetto, associate director of finance in the Department of Biostatistics
“No one knows exactly how you did it, but you managed to keep the biostatistics department running smoothly despite temporary and permanent staff departures, and an especially uncertain funding environment. Taking on the responsibilities of, and I quote, ‘two, three, or even four people,’ you put forth a heroic effort whenever necessary—a welcome outlier in a year of deviations from the mean.”
Jen Doleva, endowment, gift and chart of accounts administrator (Green Hero)
“You have saved paper and money for HSPH by encouraging departments across the School to redistribute and reuse interoffice envelopes. At your suggestion, people now compost paper towels and take the stairs. They think about sustainability and their personal impact on the planet. It isn’t easy being green, but you make it easier.”
Betty Johnson, associate director of student and fellow experience
“The architect of HSPH’s Senior Leadership Fellows Program and Voices from the Field webcast series, you have an unsurpassed eye for detail and an unmatched desire to fine tune even the most successful endeavors. A persistent and personable leader, you put everyone at ease and gracefully orchestrate complex events.”
Noman Siddiqi, director of animal biological safety laboratory level 3
“You support the fundamental mission of teaching and research through your exemplary management of crucial equipment that supports the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases. Incredibly vigilant and always thorough, you minimize risks and communicate the importance of your work and the work of HSPH to individuals inside and outside of the University. You are a vector that transmits excellence.”
Kei Chou, cashier, Sebastian’s Café
“You are a welcome sight at the cashier’s station, the hero of Sebastian’s Café, and a beloved member of the HSPH community. Your nominators noted your “blazing speed” at the register, as well as your consistency and efficiency. Keeping the lines moving quickly at the busiest times of the day, you demonstrate excellence in all you do, making change and taking charge to the benefit of countless patrons.”
Photo: Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer
Read Harvard Gazette coverage of the Harvard Heroes ceremony