Honoring our own special rockstar
Cheers erupted from the crowd as Janet Espenship, UF Health Shands Radiology business assistant, walked onstage to receive her long-term service honors at the annual UF Health Shands Milestone Service Awards Banquet this spring. She was one of just two employees recognized at the event for reaching their 45-year anniversaries with UF Health Shands.
Espenship recently retired after serving in numerous roles throughout her career here. She became a valued team member and built many lifelong friendships.
“I know she’s only a phone call away, but I still miss her,” said Lana Horton, a fellow business assistant in Radiology. “She’s one of my best friends.”
Her colleagues not only value Espenship’s friendship, but also her deep knowledge. Horton said that she was a go-to person for the department.
“She’s been here the whole time,” said Anne D’Amico, UF Health Shands Radiology business manager. “She has the institutional memory of the entire place.”
Those who had the opportunity to work closely with Espenship remember her most for her vitality, sincerity and positivity.
“Janet is always so energetic, and that’s the thing that I’ll always remember about her. She’s moves a mile a minute and always gets stuff done,” said Carrie Bell, UF Health Shands Radiology technical director. “She’s always positive and genuine.”
Espenship said that she has too many funny and memorable experiences to name just one, but she does have a few words that she lives by.
She told us, “Always be thankful for what you have, and live life to the fullest.”
MEET OTHER LONG-TERM EMPLOYEES HONORED AT THE BANQUET
KAREN TILLY
PROJECT SPECIALIST AND ASSISTANT TO THE ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, UF HEALTH COMMUNICATIONS
In what ways have you witnessed UF Health Shands grow over the years?
When I started in 1992, the organization was Shands Hospital, then Shands HealthCare, then UF&Shands and now UF Health. The growth and consistent change provides the opportunity to learn something every day, professionally and personally. It is amazing to be a part of this organization.
CASSIE MARCELLE, M.S.N., R.N.-B.C.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR, NURSING INFORMATICS, UF HEALTH NURSING AND PATIENT SERVICES
Why do you enjoy working at UF Health?
I work with an amazing group of people who are more like family. I can see that what I do makes a difference not only to our nursing staff but also to our patients. I feel that my work is appreciated, and that goes a long way.
