AREA (Accountability, Respect, Excellence Applause) awards were given to employees who have gone above and beyond their job description and have demonstrated actions exemplary to the mission, visions and values of the Medical Center and Medical University.

Employees received a $50 gift certificate to either Citadel or Northwoods mall. The employees were the following:

• Kay Thomas, Visitor's Parking Deck: Thomas always presents a cheerful and friendly attitude.
• Janella Rivers, Development Office Hollings Cancer Center: Rivers made sure that a patient's family was taken care of no matter what it took. The family will never forget her compassion and warmth.
• Diane Richardson, Institute of Psychiatry: Richardson is always focused on getting the job done with a cheerful attitude.
• Herbert Lafayette, Parking Management: Lafayette helped a patient who was having car trouble. He showed dedication to his job and willingness to help someone in need.
• Herbert Butler, University Maintenance: Butler is a very responsible worker, always willing to help out.
• Johnnie Benjamin, Dietetic Services, was recognized after she came to the aid of a visitor who was choking. She used the Heimlich maneuver and prevented a possible serious problem.
• Julia Gallant, 2 East Rehabilitation, was recognized by a patient's family and a fellow employee after she gave a coat to a burn patient this winter. The patient was being discharged and had nothing warm to wear home.
• Annette Vanvelse, Endoscopy, was recognized by three employees for coming to the aid of a young patient and her mother. After she overheard the mother say she didn't have the money to pay for her daughter's prescription, she took money from her own pocket and gave it to the woman.