Commencement means new careers for our health science graduates
We are in the commencement season, marking new beginnings for our graduates 
from our degree and certificate programs. Faculty and staff have worked together to prepare the health care professionals of today who will carry the mission of our college to communities from the rural and urban areas into the global arena. As dean, I am proud of the quality of our health practitioners. I am confident that they will contribute to the health and well being of society.
Exciting things have been happening in the field of research. Anjan Kowluru, associate dean for external scientific affairs and Veterans Administration senior research career scientist, is the co-investigator with his wife, Renu, on a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. Cathy Lysack, professor in Occupational Therapy, is a co-investigator on a U.S. Department of Defense grant.
On May 16, the college with be hosting its annual Donors and Scholarships Awards and Luncheon. In 2011, more than $170,000 was awarded to 128 students. We are excited this year because the Board of Visitors has funded one of our largest annual scholarships of $7,500 which will be awarded for this first time.
During the past few months, our students in the Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Health Care Sciences and Pharmacy have brought home honors from presentations of papers and posters at professional meetings. Three students from the Clinical Laboratory Sciences were awarded scholarships from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. On May 12, the Nurse Anesthesia (NA) Class of 2012 will continue the tradition of hosting the 30th annual Senior Seminar, a continuing education program for NA professionals. We also are pleased that many students in our various disciplines have been placed in residencies and professional positions throughout the United States.
These are just a few of the stories you can read about in this issue of Synergy.
Best regards,
