Each year the Harvard Heroes Recognition Program celebrates the accomplishments of Harvard staff whose work supports the University’s mission at the highest levels of contribution, impact and excellence.
HSDM’s recipient of this year’s Harvard Hero honor is Myra Garza, associate director of clinical operations in the Harvard Dental Center.
“I am so grateful to the Harvard Dental Center, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and the University,” said Garza. “I continue to be inspired by where I work and who I work alongside! Both the Dental School and the Dental Center are wonderful, complex, unique places, and they serve to motivate. I have had, and continue to have, such an incredible experience here,” she said.
Garza has worked at Harvard in various roles for over ten years, including the past three years at the Dental Center. In her managerial role, she interacts with clinic staff, faculty, students, and patients to ensure the Dental Center is operating smoothly. She is known by her staff to be dedicated and tireless–often starting the workday in the early morning and being one of the last to leave the office.
“Myra goes way beyond her duties. She is a true mentor, friend, and a good boss who helps everybody right away,” said nominator Andreas Radics, Clinical Operations Lab and Materials Manager.
“No matter how busy she is, Myra always takes the time to listen to staff and students who come to her for help with various challenges. Her door is always open, even when she is focusing on her work. Myra welcomes others’ ideas and builds upon them to make them even better,” Radics added.
Katherine White, Implant Liaison Coordinator, expressed similar sentiments in her nomination. “Myra is a very pleasant and gracious person to work with. No task or question for that matter is too small for her; she always finds time,” said White.
Garza will be recognized along with 63 other Harvard Hero recipients from across the University in a ceremony, hosted by President Faust, on Monday, June 6, 2016.
