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From the CHRR Director’s Desk Issue #43

November 17, 2025

From the CHRR Director’s Desk Issue #43

CHRR: A toast to 60 years

By Stephen M. Gavazzi, Ph.D.

The Latest News, Views, and Announcements

What’s New at CHRR

The invitations are out for the breakfast event we are hosting at The Ohio State University Faculty Club in celebration of our 60th anniversary. We are hoping invitees will join us on Thursday, December 4 from 8:00-10:00am. Special thanks to Clare Jellick for the leadership she has provided, both for this event as well as the other commemorative activities that surround CHRR’s birthday!

CHRR’s Leadership Team

In light of the increasingly complex initiatives that are being brought to CHRR by researchers and other stakeholders, project management has become the latest hot topic for our Leadership Team members. Leading the way on this discussion is Amanda Roose, owing to her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Jen Hoffman, Canada Keck, and Lisa Neilson also are lending their expertise and ongoing experiences to this discussion. Over time, the Leadership Team hopes to foster ever more efficient ways of utilizing the various talents and skillsets of CHRR employees across our center.

CHRR Team Member Celebrations

"Without trust, we don’t truly collaborate; we merely coordinate or, at best, cooperate. It is trust that transforms a group of people into a team." -Stephen Covey

This month we are observing the work anniversaries of four valued employees:

  • Joe Joyce, 11 years of service to CHRR.
  • Joe Miller, 19 years of service to CHRR.
  • Brian Stamper, 10 years of service to CHRR.
  • Justin Smith, 15 years of service to CHRR.

That’s a total of 55 years of service to our center (and an average of over 13 years). Thank you for your commitment to the CHRR mission!


 
 

Things You Might Want to Know

Hope for the Holidays Program

This week is the deadline to donate to the JamesCare for Life: Hope for the Holidays program. CHRR is marking its seventh year of supporting cancer patients and their families during the holiday season. The Hope for the Holidays program is part of the Stefanie Spielman Patient Assistance Fund, created to ease the added stress families face when coping with a cancer diagnosis and financial hardship during the holidays.

Last year, we raised a CHRR record of $640, which provided gift cards and holiday meal funds for our assigned family (an overall total of ~$2,640 in our first six years). This year’s donations will again be used to purchase gift cards based on the family’s choice of stores. Contributions can be made via Venmo, check, or in person to Lori Stevens through Wednesday, November 19. For more information, please contact Laura Rusnak (and special thanks to Laura for providing ongoing leadership for this charitable activity!).

Hope for the Holidays