Adam Kukic and Jovanna Hernandez have been named recipients of the UC Riverside School of Medicine’s Values in Action Awards (VIAA) for the first and second quarters of 2024-25. The awards were presented at the SOM Dean’s Town Hall on February 11, 2025.

The VIAA recognizes faculty, staff, or students who exemplify the core values of the School of Medicine, including inclusion, integrity, innovation, excellence, accountability, and respect.

Kukic, a senior standardized patient educator in the Center for Simulated Patient Care, received the award for the first quarter of 2024-25 and was honored for “a clear demonstration of exemplifying SOM’s values.”

“Adam has shown a clear demonstration of exemplifying SOM's values. His leadership has yielded a more inclusive communication plan for our faculty, staff, and students engaged in the first two years of Doctoring modules. He is operating from a place of deep integrity and respect for his SP colleagues,” wrote Kerensa Peterson, director of the Standardized Patient Program, who nominated Kukic.

Hernandez, the administrative assistant for the Department of Internal Medicine, received the VIAA for the second quarter of 2024. In the nomination submitted by Finance and Administrative Officer Jennifer Mosher, Hernandez was recognized for her “work, respect for others, and personal accountability [being] shown day in and day out.”

“Jovanna has led several projects outside of her day to day tasks, and does so with the utmost integrity. She is a demonstrated leader of excellence among her peers, and continuously finds ways to expand her knowledge and skill sets,” Mosher wrote.

Individuals may be nominated for the VIAA by visiting this web page.