From left, Carol Heller, Kathy Roben, Debbie Wangerin and Patti Balodis were just a few of the many staff stars who turned out for the yearly Staff Luncheon in the Tivoli Turnhalle.

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While some might argue that stars don’t shine in the daytime, the Downtown Denver Campus staff has consistently proved otherwise. These stars came out in full to the elegant and historic Tivoli Turnhalle on May 26 to honor the best and brightest performers of the past year. Dressed to the hilt in their finest career clothing, guests strolled like celebrities under the silver archway and – of course – the red carpet.

The afternoon commenced with a synopsis of the past year’s challenges, most markedly the highly publicized and critically acclaimed marriage of CU-Denver and the Health Sciences Center to form the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. While there was no doubt the bond would last longer and be far more productive than say Cher and Greg or even Tom and Nicole, this union was not without drama. To best reflect these changes, the stars naturally turned to the movies.

These campus stars don’t mind putting up with All That Jazz, in Colorado or Chicago – at least as long as it entails Catherine Zeta Jones in flapper attire. Although the two campuses might seem like an Odd Couple, really, they’re more like Twins, with each having much to learn from the other. The new duties and tasks may seem extra-“oar”dinary, as it did for exhausted rowers in Ben Hur, yet the spirit and camaraderie on this campus is as sweet as snatched, stashed and gobbled chocolates in the I Love Lucy Show.

Even with our advanced communications, it sometime seems as if we still can’t figure out Who’s on First and what’s on second any better than Abbot and Costello. The added pressures might make staff want to jump Overboard with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, and sometimes it feels like we’re sinking with Leonardo, Kate and the Titanic. And yet the Downtown Denver Campus staff is unwavering, after all Some Like it Hot and actually enjoy Singing in the Rain. In the end, the outlook for our university is as bright as a night on the Cabaret.

More than 150 of the campus’ finest were on hand to pay homage to the remarkable performances of the past year not on the screen, but rather on the campus. Honored this year were Laura Cuellar, Julie Mullin, Barb Edwards and Amy Stoebe. (Look for upcoming Skylines for these “celebrity” profiles.) Longevity honors were bestowed on about 30 five-year recipients, 10 10-year recipients, eight 15-year recipients, eight 20-year employees, two 25-year staffers and two 30-year honorees. Lifetime achievement honors – aka retirees – numbered 12. All honorees were greeted with applause rave reviews from the crowd and appreciation from administration for their devotion and commitment to the Downtown Denver Campus.

“A great university doesn’t run without a lot of great staff,” UCDHSC Chancellor James Shore said. “Thank you for all you do to keep the university great.”

Keeping with the theme of this starry, starry afternoon, Provost Mark Heckler noted that – like on-screen celebrities you grow up and old with – “we are all old friends. I am reminded again and again about how special, how critical your work is to this institution. We don’t say thank you enough.”

The star-studded production was brought to the Downtown Denver Campus staff by Staff Council members Peggy Burress, Laura Cuellar, Roberta Dice, Becky Emerson, Pam Erickson, Mary Francavilla, Karin Hunger, Martina Juarez Lopez, Jim Langstaff, Steven Mascara, Christy Mourning, Sue Sethney, Scott Sherter, Mary Ulibarri, Denise Weber and Pete Wolfe.