Receiving the 2006 Candace J. Johnson Staff Award for Excellence is Pennie Rutan (second from left), human resources officer in the School of Pharmacy. Colleagues describe her as one of those rare "gems" whose presence makes the work environment around them much better. "She has a wonderful, supportive can-do attitude, great judgment concerning the capabilities of her fellow staff and an unswerving loyalty to both the college and the University," says her nominator for the award, Frank Ascione (right), professor of social and administrative sciences and dean of the College of Pharmacy. The two were joined at the college's annual holiday celebration Dec. 20 at the Michigan League by Assistant Provost Catherine Shaw (left) for the award presentation. Rutan, who started at U-M in 1982, has been described as "the heart and soul of the college," "irreplaceable" and "awesome." The award was established in 2004 as a memorial to 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. The award includes a $500 cash prize. For information go to www.umich.edu/~hraa/cjjaward. (Photo by Lin Jones, U-M Photo Services)