For Immediate Release
Contact:
John M. Martino
Phone Number: (215) 895-1186
Date: 05/07/02
University
of the Sciences in Philadelphia Presents 2002 Alumni Association Awards
University
of the Sciences in Philadelphia presented its 2002 Alumni Association
Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction during the Annual Alumni Reunion,
which was held on Saturday, May 4. Five alumni and one honorary alumnus
were recognized for their achievements and contributions to both USP and
society. The following individuals were honored: Mary Sheehan
Howlett, Teresa Pete Dowling, Nishaminy Kasbekar, Murray Zanger, Kevin
Gale and Siobhan Duffy.
Annual
Alumni Award
Bestowed on an alumnus
distinguished through contributions in outstanding fashion to a profession,
science and/or mankind
Dr.
Howett is a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Penn State
M.S. Hershey Medical Center, where she teaches pre-doctoral students working
toward M.D. or Ph.D. degrees. She operates an internationally recognized
research program, focused on identification by human papillomaviruses
(HPV), the viruses involved in the etiology of both cervical cancer and
HIV-1, the causative agent of AIDS. Both the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development (NICHHD) fund her ongoing research.
She
is also president of Renaissance Scientific, LLC, a start-up biotechnology
company organized to further develop and market advances and patents from
her laboratory. She serves as a member of the Strategic Relations Team
at Hershey. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Interdisciplinary
Committee on Medical and Health-Related Issues. She is a frequent reviewer
for scientific journals and for federal and non-profit granting agencies.
She has also published more than 75 scientific manuscripts and book chapters
and is the inventor on five U.S. patents.
In 2000, she received the "Athena Award," presented by the Harrisburg
Regional Chamber.
Ivor
Griffith Service Award
Bestowed annually upon an alumnus
who is distinguished through voluntarily giving his/her time and service
in outstanding fashion to the University either directly or through participation
in the USP Alumni Association
Dr.
Dowling is the director of promotional regulatory affairs in the Cardiovascular
Therapeutics Area at AstraZeneca.
She is also an adjunct faculty member at the Philadelphia College
of Pharmacy at USP, and has worked for the University in many capacities
over the years, including as a full-time faculty member.
In
1984, Teresa joined the Professional Information unit of Medical Affairs
at Merck and Co. She then
joined DuPont Pharmaceuticals Co. in 1990.
In 1999, she participated in a one-year sabbatical in marketing,
joining a commercialization team.
Since
the late 1970s, Teresa has been active in USP's Alumni Association and
has served on the Board of Directors as both vice president and president
(1987-89). She has also served on many committees including the Nominations
and Awards committees.
She
has been active in the Section for Medical Communications of the Drug
Information Association (DIA), where she also has served as a member of
the Board of Directors. She has been a speaker, program planning committee
member, session chair, and program chair for the Section, and was elected
president of DIA for the 1999-2000 term.
Young
Alumnus Award
Bestowed
annually on an
alumnus who has received a degree within the last 15 years and has been
distinguished through contributions in outstanding fashion to his/her
profession, science and/or mankind
Dr.
Kasbekar is a clinical specialist in infectious diseases at the Presbyterian
Medical Center of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. After
completing her B.S. degree in Pharmacy in 1993 and her PharmD in 1995
at USP, she completed an ASHP residency in clinical pharmacy practice
and a specialty residency in infectious diseases, both at the Hospital
of the University of Pennsylvania. She then went on to implement and administer
the Antimicrobial Management Program at Presbyterian Medical Center. This
program has won several awards including the "ASHP Best Practices in Health
System Pharmacy Management Award," "Abbott Pharmaceuticals National Hospital
Pharmacy Quality Award," and the "PSHP Innovative and Collaborative Practice
Award."
Dr.
Kasbekar has earned several honors in her field including the "Julius
W. Sturmer Rho Chi-Alpha Tau Chapter Memorial Lecture Award" and being
named one of the top 50 most influential pharmacists by American Druggist Magazine.
Dr. Kasbekar also serves as an infectious disease preceptor for
USP PharmD students.
Honorary
Alumnus Award
Bestowed annually
upon a non-alumnus who has shown exemplary dedication and
commitment to the mission of USP
Dr.
Zanger began his teaching career at USP in 1964. He was promoted to the
rank of full professor in 1972 and was acting department chair during
the 1994-95 academic years. Throughout his career at the University, he
has always emphasized teaching as the most important aspect of his job.
For his efforts he received the "A.C.S. Student Affiliate Teaching Award,"
the "Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished
Teaching" and the "William Homiller Award for Excellence in Teaching."
Dr.
Zanger's recent research on anti-HIV compounds resulted in the granting
of a patent on the compounds he synthesized. With University support,
he is currently trying to find an industrial sponsor to create a practical
application for his invention. His other research interests include new
methods for synthesizing anti-neoplastic agents.
Men's
Athletic Hall of Fame Award
Bestowed upon an individual
who has demonstrated outstanding career accomplishments, leadership and
commitment to his sport
Dr.
Gale is vice president of research at Rose Glen Capital Group. He assists in portfolio management, sourcing and structuring
transactions and is responsible for financial due diligence primarily
on the firm's healthcare-related investments.
Prior
to attending USP, Dr. Gale competed in rifle matches around the country
while a member of the Langhorne Rod and Gun Club in Langhorne, Pa., and
the United Sportsman's Association of North America in Elmer, N.J. As
a junior competitor, he attended the N.J. State Junior Olympic Shooting
Program and was selected a representative for training at the Olympic
Training Center in Colorado Springs, Col.
At
USP, Dr. Gale was the first-ever student to become a four-year starter
and club champion each year. He was team captain in his senior year, and
upon graduation, he had established 18 separate club records. He is ranked
in the top-10 all-time scoring and all-time average.
He missed being the top shooter in only three out of 150 matches.
Women's
Athletic Hall of Fame Award
Bestowed upon an individual
who has demonstrated outstanding career accomplishments, leadership and
commitment to her sport
Duffy
is a senior safety scientist in the Pharmacovigilance Department at McNeil
Consumer and Specialty Pharmaceuticals.
Prior to this position, she was a pharmacy manager at Olsten Health
Services. She has extensive experience in hospital pharmacy, specializing
in oncology. She is currently pursuing an M.S. degree in Biomedical Writing
at USP.
In
1979, Duffy became the first female member of the varsity cross-country
team, competing in the five-mile distance for the majority of her career.
She also participated in 47 dual and invitational meets. These contests
included NAIA District-19 Regional Meets, four Philadelphia Small College
Metro Meets and four PAIAW Invitationals.
She was the captain of the team during her senior year, and also
was the number-one female runner during her college career and was recognized
for athletic excellence by the PAIAW in her junior and senior years.
After graduation, she continued her interest in cross-country running
as a volunteer USP assistant coach.
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