The Department of Anesthesiology is excited to announce that Jean Shim, manager of scheduling and special projects, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Sandy Hawes Memorial Award.
Established in memory of Sandy Hawes, this annual award honors department members who demonstrate excellent communication, dedication, composure, and a consistent willingness to go above and beyond—qualities Sandy was known for during her career at WashU Medicine.
Jean has exemplified these traits throughout her seven-year tenure with WashU Medicine. She joined the department as a reporting analyst and quickly became an essential member of our scheduling team. Her keen attention to detail and collaborative approach have been instrumental in managing the complex staffing needs across multiple hospitals. Since January 2024, she has served as manager of scheduling and special projects, continuing to bring dedication, clarity, and innovation to her role.
As one colleague wrote in their nomination, “In a field constantly challenged by staffing and scheduling issues, Jean has been a steady, vital force. Her dedication, warmth, and grace in tackling complex problems keep our department running smoothly.”
We also extend our sincere appreciation to all nominees for the 2025 Sandy Hawes Memorial Award. Each was recognized by their peers for demonstrating reliability, generosity, integrity, and a strong spirit of service—core values that strengthen our department every day. We’re grateful for their contributions and proud to work alongside them.
2025 Nominees
Kara Bockius
Residency/Fellowship Program Coordinator
“Kara is the welcoming committee and friendly face to all the Critical Care Fellows. All year long, she goes the extra mile to make sure they feel supported—and by the end, they want to take their own ‘Kara’ with them on their next journey.”
Anne DeSchryver, JD
Executive Director, Business Affairs
“Anne is steady, thoughtful, and endlessly kind. She leads with empathy and a strong sense of responsibility, always considering how to support those around her. Her grounded, consistent care is deeply felt.”
Karen Hyde
Clinic Administrator
“Karen takes her role seriously, and her commitment to patients, providers, and the department is evident in everything she does. She goes above and beyond every single day.”
Lauren LaChance
Assistant to the Chair
“Lauren exemplifies professionalism and integrity in all her interactions. She’s consistently positive and kind, and she works hard to make sure everyone feels valued—fostering a culture of collaboration and support.”
Tiffany Peppers-Boster
Division Administrator, Pediatric Anesthesiology
“Tiffany truly goes above and beyond in her role. Her positivity and ever-present smile are appreciated by everyone in the department.”
Gemma Smith
Office Manager
“Gemma consistently demonstrates exceptional qualities. Her dedication, work ethic, and ability to boost morale ensure every task is completed to the highest standard.”
Shirley Vaughn
Administrative Coordinator
“Shirley’s dedication and positivity are at the heart of what makes our residency program special. She’s someone people turn to for support—and she always shows up with kindness and grace.”
Patrick Yursik
Director, Marketing & Communications
“Patrick connects with every part of the department in a genuinely positive way. His service-oriented mindset, generosity of spirit, and care for others are truly appreciated by all.”