This month we are saying farewell to Nettie Van Wyen, an administrative assistant II who served the Division of Critical Care Medicine, as she retires after five years with the department.
Nettie joined us in November 2016 after 10 years at UF. She first joined UF as an assistant to the chair in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and later worked as an administrative assistant with the Clinical and Translational Research Center.
Nettie was an outstanding member of our team who worked hard each day to serve our faculty. In 2021, she was one of the nominees for the Rebecca Lovely Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes exemplary performance of administrative staff identified by their faculty and peers.
Colleagues remembered her for her professionalism and drive to find solutions.
“Nettie is a part of my work family, and she will be missed dearly,” said Amanda Frantz, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Critical Care Medicine. “She was always eager to help me find the answers I was looking for, which was very lifesaving for a new faculty member like myself. I will miss her kindness and ‘gentle reminders,’ but I wish her all the best in retirement!”
Her dedication was particularly appreciated.
“Nettie always had a ‘can do’ attitude and if she did not know how to perform a task or where to find the information, she would take the initiative to figure it out,” said Brenda Fahy, M.D., MCCM, professor of anesthesiology; associate chair for faculty affairs and professional development; and program director of the Adult Combined Cardiothoracic Critical Care Fellowship. “Her positive attitude and helpful nature made her an asset that helped the division operate smoothly on a day-to-day basis, which was especially important during the pandemic. We thank her for her dedication and service. She will be missed and wish her all the best in her retirement!”
Staff members also praised Nettie for her kindness.
“She always works with a smile and is happy to help anyone,” said Vera Rehberg, administrative assistant II, who worked closely with Nettie in the Division of Critical Care Medicine. “She goes above and beyond anytime a request is made, trying her best to accommodate. And don’t forget her hugs … she has to hug everyone. Her presence around the office will surely be missed. Happy retirement, Nettie! Here’s to crafting!”
Nettie’s upbeat attitude positively impacted everyone in the department.
“Nettie is one of the kindest people I have ever met, hands down,” said Cynthia Rosario, administrative assistant III. “She genuinely cares about people and she cares about her work, which is what makes her so attentive with her faculty. Even through adversity, Nettie has always kept a positive attitude. I’ve never seen her in a bad mood. She will be greatly missed.”
We are very grateful for all of Nettie’s many contributions to our department. Please join us in wishing her the very best in retirement!