A self-proclaimed "organizational maven" described by co-workers as optimistic, inspirational and a source of positive energy is the 2005 recipient of the Candace J. Johnson Staff Award for Excellence. Meghan Genovese, project coordinator in the Office of Academic Affairs in the Dental School, was honored Dec. 13 for making a difference at the University through a combination of enthusiasm and excellence. The award was established in 2004 as a memorial to Candy Johnson, a dedicated staff member from the Office of the Provost who died in 2003. The provost's office established the award to recognize staff members on campus who, like Johnson, have a positive influence in the workplace through their professionalism and personality. Dr. Marilyn Lantz, professor of periodontics and oral medicine, nominated Genovese with encouragement from other faculty, staff and students in the school. Colleagues praised Genovese—shown here with Dental School Dean Dr. Peter Polverini and Interim Provost Edward Gramlich—for encouraging everyone to do his or her best work, and for her ability to work with diverse personalities and "get them all to cooperate," extreme productivity, calm and reassuring nature, and commitment and devotion to the work. At the December reception Gramlich presented Genovese with the award that included a $500 cash prize. For information on the Candace L. Johnson award, visit: www.umich.edu/~hraa/cjjaward. (Photo by Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services)