From left: Liz Lopez, Dwaygth Guaman, Vasillios Tsiakanikas, Michelle Clarke, Manny Morse and Yamigza Torres

Reflecting on her 30 years of service at the Brigham, Gloria Rosario-Ruiz, an inventory controller in the Operating Room/Clinical Service Specialties Central Sterile Processing, can’t help but smile when she thinks about all the wonderful opportunities she’s been afforded during her time here.

“I feel proud to work at the Brigham,” Rosario-Ruiz said. “My favorite part about working here is knowing that no matter what I’m doing, all of it benefits our patients.”

On June 6, Rosario-Ruiz and hundreds of other BWHers were honored during the 38th annual Employee Service Awards ceremony. Attendees came together in the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center at Harvard Medical School to celebrate the dedication and achievements of those who have worked at BWH in increments of five years, from five to 50 years.

Hospital leaders kicked off the awards presentations by recounting milestones and events that occurred at each five-year interval.

The fun and upbeat presentation by eight senior leaders had the audience dancing in their seats and shaking noisemakers. Attendees tapped their toes to songs that were popular from each five-year interval, including Beyonce’s “Put a Ring on It,” and “Dance to the Music” by Sly and the Family Stone.

BWHers with 20 years of service or more shared heartwarming, fun or little-known facts about themselves that were read aloud by an announcer during the ceremony. Several honorees reflected on how memorable it was to meet their spouse at the Brigham or have their children here. Others shared meaningful milestones, ranging from obtaining their master’s in nursing to promotions and awards. Some of these stories were also shared in a video that was played during the ceremony.

Among those celebrating at this year’s ceremony was Martin Van Denburgh, an information systems manager in the Division of Preventive Medicine, who has worked at the Brigham for 40 years.

Betty Santini Rowe, MSN, RN, a nurse in the Division of Hematology, who was also recognized for 40 years of service this year, recounted one of her fondest Brigham memories: seeing how her colleagues came together during the Blizzard of 1978 to ensure patient care was uninterrupted.

Brigham Health President Betsy Nabel, MD, congratulated this year’s recipients and noted how proud she is of all that they do for patients, their families, our community and each other.

“Today we honor you — the heart and soul of the Brigham,” Nabel said.

Also congratulating employees was Paula Squires, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, senior vice president of Human Resources.

“It’s an honor to celebrate all of you today,” Squires said. “At times like this, I am struck by the power of a committed group of individuals to make a difference. You continue to inspire us with your passion and commitment to our precious mission.”