May 6-10

ACPHS has been named to the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This prestigious designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. In fact, ACPHS was further distinguished by being awarded "honor roll with distinction" status. The students and faculty of the College have displayed a long history of community service through initiatives such as the Health Expo, ACPHS Academy, High School Summer Research Program, and countless other activities in support of a wide range of charitable organizations.

Speaking of community service, when Relay for Life concluded on April 13, the Albany Campus had raised just over $40,000 for the American Cancer Society. It was another successful event for Colleges Against Cancer, but the total fell just short of the school's previous high of $41,604 which was set in 2010. Now here's the best part . . . Over the past three weeks, donations have continued to come in, and that total has soared to $43,433.65 - an all-time ACPHS record! Contributions are being accepted until August 31, so that figure may climb even higher. Visit the ACPHS Relay for Life web page if you'd like to make a gift.

While the featured speakers for the Albany and Vermont Commencement ceremonies were announced in March (Class of '63 alum Dick Daffner in Albany and U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy in Vermont), the student and faculty speakers were determined last week. Student Sarah DeRuosi (top) and faculty member Andy Flynn will do the honors on the Albany Campus. In Vermont, student Christine Skrzypiec (bottom) and faculty member Sommer Zarbock will address the first graduates of the Vermont Campus. The student and faculty speakers were selected based on nominations from members of the graduating class. 

Peer Tutors Recognized for Commitment and Dedication

A ceremony was held last Monday to celebrate the accomplishments of the student tutors in the College's Peer Tutoring Program. At the event, Director of Academic Learning Services Julianne Messia (center) presented the Peer Tutor of the Year Award to Jenna McGreevy (left) and the Honorable Mention Award to Lindsey Wallace (right). The Peer Tutoring Program provides assistance to B.S. and Pharm.D. students in required math and science based courses. There are approximately 50 peer tutors on the Albany and Vermont campuses who work with more than 300 students each year.

Markus Stein, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences, was recently certified as a Fellow of the Canadian College of Microbiologists (FCCM). The degree is the Canadian equivalent of the (D)ABMM, a certification awarded by the American College of Microbiology. Prior to joining ACPHS, Dr. Stein trained for three years in the Postdoctoral Clinical Microbiology Fellowship Program which included work at the Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre and the Provincial Laboratory for Public Health in Edmonton, Alberta.