2015 CARE Award Recipients

CARE Award

December 2015

Administrative

Linda Knopp
Director of Communications
Office of Communication

Director of Communications Linda Knopp has delivered a great deal of work in improving the look of the Heritage College. Her incredible follow-up, in addition to the quality of her content and writing, has let no detail fall through the cracks. She played a large role in several projects that took home honors from the 2015 AACOM Excellence in Communications Awards, including the project recognized as Best in Show - First Place for Heritage College, Dublin, Opening Celebration Video. She also went above and beyond in this year's Points of Pride video, in conjunction with Communications Office colleagues Lisa Forster and Joel Prince. Chief Communications Officer Karoline Lane, who nominated Knopp, said, "Linda is tireless in her work for the college. We talk about those who 'go the extra mile.' She goes the extra 10 miles."

Classified

Mike Yeager
Administrative Specialist
Office of Academic Affairs

Mike Yeager, administrative specialist in the Office of Academic Affairs in Athens, balances work with hundreds of medical students and still remains available and on top of his game. He works extremely hard in the office's Clinical and Community Experiences (CCE) program to accommodate students' specialties, and to ensure they enjoy a range of different experiences. Yeager was nominated by Christopher Gibson, OMS II, who wrote, "Mike has been vital to the students' CCE experience, arguably one of the most valuable and unique aspects of our education here. Without Mike's tireless efforts, we would not have as much success with these invaluable early clinical learning experiences."

Faculty

Maureen Kollar, D.O. ('84)
Assistant Professor of Primary Care
Department of Pediatrics
Heritage College, Dublin

The expertise and top-quality advice supplied by Assistant Professor of Primary Care Maureen Kollar, D.O. ('84), has not gone unnoticed. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the Heritage College and its students facilitates learning and support throughout the medical education process. Alyssa Ritchie, OMS I, Dublin, who nominated Kollar, called her "a smiling face on campus whose commitment day in and day out truly stands out!" Kollar serves as a mentor to many students, participates in the Pediatrics Club, and contributed to planning and implementing the first Bobcat Care Fair.

November 2015

Administrative

Kelly Gorscak
Budget Analyst
Office of Financial Services

Kelly Gorscak, budget analyst in the Office of Financial Services, was nominated by friend and co-worker Beth Scowden, administrative specialist at the Office of Information and Learning Technologies, who says she strives to be "more like Kelly." Scowden explains, "I have known Kelly for the past three years, and she has assisted me and many other employees with accounting and budgetary questions. Kelly takes time out of her busy schedule to answer the phone when you call her, to get the answers you need in a timely manner, all while being friendly, cheerful and positive. I truly appreciate her and would like to take his chance to thank her for being a wonderful role model."

Classified

Gail Houlette
Executive Assistant
Office of Administrative Services

"Gail makes coming to work fun. With her bright outlook and constant smile, even a day that's not going well suddenly seems better," says Lisa Forster, communications specialist, who nominated Gail Houlette, executive assistant in the Office of Administrative Services. In addition to her many duties as an executive assistant, Gail is also the committee chair for the CARE program. "She has done an excellent job keeping the program running, working out glitches and finding new, fun ways to keep people engaged. She's responsive and is always eager to find new and better ways to meet goals. I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent working with Gail. In addition to the CARE program, Gail played a key role in helping the college with its first sponsorship of the Komen Athens Race for the Cure. Her enthusiasm and willingness to go above and beyond are the reasons I am nominating Gail for the CARE award."

Faculty

Paige Gutheil Henderson, D.O. ('02)
Assistant Professor of Primary Care
Department of Family Medicine
Heritage College, Dublin

"Paige Gutheil Henderson = Rock Star!" This is the closing statement in the nomination of Gutheil Henderson, D.O. ('02), assistant professor of primary care at the Heritage College, Dublin, by Laurie Lach, director of alumni affairs in the Office of Medical Development & Alumni Affairs. In addition to teaching, Gutheil Henderson serves as the chair of ohio women in medicine and played a key role in developing and implementing the Summer Leadership Academy, a pilot mentorship program affiliated with ohio women in medicine held last summer in Dublin. "Paige is literally the first person to reply when there is a need for information or to help develop or enhance programming or activities for our alumni and the college. She takes projects to the next level," said Lach. "Bottom line - I love everything about her. She's easy and approachable, gracious, fun, incredibly sharp and savvy. She is in tune with the needs of graduates, practicing physicians and medical students."

October 2015

Administrative

Sharon Casapulla, Ed.D.
Director of Education and Research
Office of Rural & Underserved Programs

Sharon Casapulla, Ed.D., director of education and research in the Office of Rural & Underserved Programs, work closely with her students, especially those doing research in the Rural and Urban Scholars Pathways Program. "Her passion for making a change is infectious, and she truly cares about her work as well as the people she works with. Sharon is truly an asset to this school," said fourth-year medical student Katelyn Tondo-Steele, who nominated Casapulla. "She has invested so much time in my research with kids at Trimble Elementary School. Sharon had faith in me when I needed it, and she has been the best advisor throughout this time."

Classified

Donna Veliz
Records Management Senior Specialist
Office of Academic Affairs

Previously recognized in 2008 by the Office of Academic Affairs as an outstanding employee of the year, Donna Veliz, records management senior specialist, now is being honored with the CARE award. Rural and Underserved Programs Administrative Director Dawn Mollica and Director of Education and Research Sharon Casapulla,Ed.D.,nominated Veliz for the hours she spent teaching them how to use the E*Value system, which is used to schedule clinical rotations and track related curriculum requirements. "She finds ways to make the system work for the staff as well as the students. Donna is always accessible to answer questions, and there is no end to her patience. We would truly be lost without her. Donna Veliz is a real gem!"

Faculty

Timothy Law, D.O. ('94), M.B.A.
Assistant Professor
Department of Family Medicine & Geriatric Medicine/Gerontology
Associate Director, Rural & Underserved Programs, Athens campus
Medical Director, Clinical & Translational Research Unit

Named 2014 Mentor of the Year by the American Osteopathic Association, Timothy Law was nominated for the CARE award by Laura Rush, D.V.M., Ph.D., executive director of the Clinical & Translational Research Unit. “He makes himself available whenever needed and does so with a smile and a fantastic attitude. He has helped develop standard operating procedures, train personnel, refine research protocols, and so much more, always with a tremendous sense of humor and with study subject safety and comfort as his top priorities. In addition to working with our staff, he is great with students and is truly a role model for them to see how a physician can play a key role in clinical research.”

September 2015

Administrative

Jill Harman
Director of Admissions
Office of Admissions

In addition to traveling to recruit students to study at the Heritage College, Director of Admissions Jill Harman maintains the admissions website, engages prospective students on social media and maintains personal relationships with students visiting the college and those already attending. “During [my] visit, she showcased the medical school and told me all the reasons why OU-HCOM succeeds at forming medical students into great osteopathic physicians,” said David Zehnder, OMS I, who nominated Jill. “She guided me in what courses I could take for post bacc that would help prepare me for success in medical school. Lastly, since being admitted to OU-HCOM she has worked to make the transition as seamless as possible for me, exuding qualities of kindness and professionalism.” Jill is a self-described “die-hard proponent of osteopathic medicine” and is involved both with coordinating large group efforts that support incoming students to the college, like PreCOM, and providing individualized attention for tours and counseling sessions.

Classified

Dorrie Andermills
Administrative Specialist
Office of Academic Affairs

Since 2007, Dorrie Andermills has worked with the Residency Programs Advisory Committee on a small team that coordinates upward of 50 educational conferences a year. These conferences reach about 20 clinical campus sites and give residents across seven disciplines didactic and skills lab training. “During this last year, we found ourselves in the midst of a major transition with medical education,” said Residency Program Advisory Committee Director Deb Woods, who nominated Dorrie. “This has caused a major shift in tasks and workload in our RPAC office. Dorrie has been able to maintain a great attitude, seek additional training when necessary and helped train new temporary staff to manage some of the workload. She has become a valuable part of our team.” Dorrie describes her work with the Heritage College as always being an adventure.

Faculty

Todd Fredricks, D.O. ('93)
Assistant Professor
Department of Family Medicine

When he’s not seeing patients or teaching students, Assistant Professor Todd Fredricks, D.O. (’93), is conducting veteran-related research and developing multimedia documentaries. Laura Rush, D.V.M., Ph.D., executive director of the Clinical & Translational Research Unit, nominated Dr. Fredricks, a 24-year military veteran, after working with him to develop a research protocol for a project that involved the CTRU and a field study with soldiers enlisted in the Army Reserve. “Todd was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about helping,” Rush said. “He went out of his way to get the project off the ground, and his expertise in working with the military was invaluable. He is a role model for how to collaborate effectively, and I can’t wait to work with him on more projects!”

August 2015

Administrative

Jennifer Fleming
Academic Program Administrator
Office of Academic Affairs

Lawrence Hurtubise, former faculty development educational technologist in the Office of Faculty Development, nominated Academic Program Administrator Jennifer Fleming saying, “She is always helpful and kind – she does her job so well, and I am so thankful to work with her!”

Classified

Jennifer Fritchley
Administrative Services Associate
Office of Administration and Finance

On the Athens campus, Jennifer Fritchley, administrative services associate, is a common sight. One of her responsibilities is delivering the mail to offices in Athens, which she usually does with a smile and friendly greeting. According to Facilities Coordinator John Dehmann, “Jenn provides an often-overlooked service to the college as CMO, Chief Morale Officer. She brightens the day for everyone she comes in contact with. She is a ray of sunshine in a sometimes overcast environment.” Jenn recently worked with Ohio University Mail Services to streamline the flow of mail to the Heritage College, Cleveland. Of her performance, John said she “consistently provides superior customer service in every duty she performs.”

Faculty

Frank Schwartz, M.D.
Professor of Endocrinology
J.O. Watson Diabetes Research Chair
Department of Specialty Medicine

Many junior faculty members have benefitted from the mentorship of Frank Schwartz, M.D., professor of endocrinology and J.O. Watson Diabetes Research Chair. According to Kelly McCall, Ph.D., associate professor of endocrinology in the Department of Specialty Medicine, who nominated Dr. Schwartz, “He is always enthusiastic about his work and strives to provide the best medical and research education and training for all whom he interacts with. Dr. Schwartz is truly a gem, and HCOM is very lucky to have him as part of our team.”

July 2015

Administrative

Pam Henderson
Clinical Training and Assessment Center Supervisor
Office of Academic Affairs

Pam Henderson's efforts as the supervisor of the Heritage College's Clinical Training and Assessment Center (CTAC) have benefitted students from both the college and the broader Ohio University community. Pam supervises the Athens campus CTAC and provides support to the Dublin and Cleveland CTAC coordinators. When she's not busy organizing the CTAC clinical exam labs and clinical skills labs for both the Heritage College and the School of Nursing M.S.N. program, Pam is meeting with the Year 1 and Year 2 liaison for medical student events and the lab leader for the Ohio University School of Nursing events to make sure all the labs are fully stocked and up-to-date to suit student's needs. In addition, Pam facilitates research for new equipment, orders new models for labs, supervises all standardized patients, supervises a classified employee, facilitates CTAC repairs, and provides additional exam room space for the free clinic. It's not just during the academic year that she's busy. This summer while Ohio University played host to the International Space University's Summer Space Study Program, Pam's hard work made the college stand out. "She came in on the weekend and worked well after hours to make sure the students had a valuable learning experience and also so that the college would be able to put its best foot forward and show what we are made of!" said Timothy Law, D.O. ('94), M.B.A., assistant professor of family medicine, who nominated Pam. "INVALUABLE employee."

Classified

Miriam Thomas
Administrative Specialist
Office of Administrative Services

Human Resources Administrative Specialist Miriam Thomas does it all. Whether she's assisting someone on the phone or paying bills and tracking budgets for the Heritage College, Miriam is constantly making the administrative office a better place. "Miriam provides support to my co-workers and myself on a daily basis with an excellent attitude," said Employment Coordinator Nicole Sealey, who nominated Miriam. "I do not think our office could function as well as it does without her on board." Miriam has been with the Heritage College for 25 years. In addition to handling budgets and taking care of phone calls, she is responsible for personnel files and vacation time.

Faculty

Leah Sheridan, Ph.D.
Associate Lecturer of Physiology
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Heritage College, Dublin

When Leah Sheridan, Ph.D., joined the staff in Dublin, they knew they were getting an excellent phsiologist, but she has gone above and beyond expectations with her participation in other aspects of medical education. In addition to her involvement in planning Research Day for the Dublin campus, Leah has also piloted a research journal club to engage interested medical students in research. "[She has shown] continual energy and enthusiasm to initiate, establish and grow supporting medical education programs and research efforts benefitting the Dublin campus, the Heritage college and our surrounding communities," said Audrone Biknevicius, Ph.D., associate professor of gross anatomy. She, along with Heritage College, Dublin, Dean William Burke, D.O. ('88), and Dublin Director of Campus Administration Brian thompson, nominated Leah. Not only is Leah actively involved with students in Dublin, she also has served as a mentor and helpful friend to her fellow faculty members.

June 2015

Administrative

Betsy Kerns
Assistant Director
Office of Student Affairs
Heritage College, Cleveland

Betsy Kerns, assistant director in the Office of Student Affairs on our Cleveland campus, has had her hands full with the 51 students attending the Heritage College’s newest campus. “Betsy has been a joy to work with from the moment she started in Cleveland. She always has a positive spirit and is always willing to help others,” said Administrative Services Specialist Franceska Tucker, who nominated Betsy. “She truly embodies what the Heritage College is about and will foster a family environment with faculty, staff and most importantly, the students.”

Classified

Maureen McCann
Administrative Associate
Heritage College, Dublin

Administrative Associate Maureen McCann, who is based in Dublin, recently took on many additional duties after a nursing position was vacated. Despite her heavier workload, she always has a smile on her face and is always willing to help, according to Assistant Professor of Primary Care Maureen Kollar, D.O., who nominated McCann. “She has done such a great job coordinating clinical skills and the OU+Reach program (Re-Imagining Educational Approaches to Careers in Healthcare) so it runs smoothly for everyone. Maureen is a true friend to everyone she meets. Lots of thanks to her willing and bright spirit!”

Faculty

Jennifer Gwilym, D.O.
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Department of Family Medicine

Assistant Professor of Family Medicine Jennifer Gwilym, D.O. (’03) was recently profiled in Ohio University Medicine Magazine. The story detailed her many accomplishments as a leader, her effectiveness as a mentor to students, and her engagement with the community. “In interview after interview, one person after another talked about how much she gives back to her students, the college, patients and the community. The CARE award could have been written with Dr. Gwilym in mind. Her enthusiasm is catching. Her story is inspirational. From paying cab fare for patients to becoming a leader in the osteopathic field, she has a history of altruism and caring that exemplify what this college is all about,” said Lisa Forster, communications specialist, who nominated Jennifer.

May 2015

Administrative

Lawrence Hurtubise
Faculty Development Educational Technologist
Office of Faculty Development

As the expert in educational technology for the Office of Faculty Development, Larry Hurtubise has been very busy due to the opening of two new campuses. He prepared and assisted the college’s faculty to simultaneously teach students both in the classroom and remotely using video and audio technology. According to Office of Faculty Development Director Stephen Davis, Ph.D., who nominated Larry, he “is continually making huge contributions to our success through his faculty development work.” In addition, Larry started a medical education journal club, participates in research and scholarly activities, orchestrated a faculty development series for current faculty in Dublin and Athens, and chaired a national conference on medical education. He’s doing this while working on a doctorate degree.

Classified

Kathy Gossett
Administrative Services Associate
Department of Biomedical Sciences

Administrative Services Associate Kathy Gossett is a go-getter who doesn’t let obstacles stop her from completing the critical functions of her job, such as ordering supplies and materials for faculty and student research projects. She recognizes the time-sensitive nature of those projects and understands how critical her role is in supporting the Heritage College’s research goals. Kathy has worked for the college for 20 years, first as a nurse with the Ohio University Medical Center before transferring to the Department of Biomedical Sciences in 2003 after OUMC became University Medical Associates. “Kathy is honest, dependable and can always be counted on,” said Administrative Specialist Jamie Remy, who nominated Kathy.

Faculty

Joseph A. Bianco, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Social Medicine
Department of Social Medicine

Joseph Bianco, Ph.D., may officially be called an assistant professor, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many roles and responsibilities he has assumed since he joined the Heritage College in 2008. Joe also currently serves as chair of the college’s Membership, Nominating and Bylaws Committee, which plays a vital role in faculty nominations, elections and appointments. With the college’s growth to multiple campuses, the committee’s responsibilities and time commitment has increased. Joe became the first chair of the committee after the bylaws component was added last year. Rachael Crouch, special assistant to the executive dean, nominated Joe saying, “Having worked closely with Joe – admittedly, after he and the other committee members have done the heavy-lifting – at the tail end of the annual bylaws revision/approval and elections/appointment processes, I know just how tedious and seemingly circular this work can be, which makes Joe’s constant positivity, obvious sincerity, pleasant persistence and graciousness all the more remarkable.”

April 2015

Administrative

Linda Bendler, 
CORE Administrator,
Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital

For third- and fourth-year students at South Pointe, Linda Bendler sees that students receive the best experience possible. Recent graduate Sean Gallagher, D.O. (’15), who nominated Linda said, “She treats everyone like family in my class at South Pointe. Going above and beyond is the norm for her. She never expects anything in return, and I have rarely not seen a smile on her face when she is around us.”

Classified

Beth Scowden, 
Administrative Specialist,
Office of Medical Informatics

Beth Scowden’s colleagues in the Office of Medical Informatics say emphatically that Beth “does everything.” In her administrative specialist role, she provides office support ranging from ordering supplies to making budget requests. But it’s her enthusiasm and her smile that co-workers are quick to mention. Clinical Biomedical Engineer Eric Clift, who nominated her, says, “Beth always has a positive attitude and is willing to do whatever she can to help the department and college.”

Faculty

Audrone Biknevicius, Ph.D., 
Associate Professor of Gross Anatomy in the
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College, Dublin

Audrone Biknevicius, Ph.D., has worked tirelessly during the Dublin campus’ first year. Audrone stepping in more than once to take on additional teaching responsibilities when a colleague needed a hand. She also volunteers in many of the college’s outreach programs. “Her door is always open for advice and mentoring, not only for our med students but for the new hires on the Dublin campus regardless of department. She is an exemplary model of support, collegiality, and inspiring leadership besides being an outstanding educator,” said Associate Professor of Anatomical Sciences Rebecca Code, Ph.D., who nominated Audrone.

March 2015

Administrative

Olivia Ojano-Sheehan, Ph.D.,
Assistant Director of CORE Faculty Development and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine

Olivia Ojano-Sheehan oversees two high- value programs: the Residency Directors Fellowship Program and CORE Academic Physicians Certificate Program, which educate members of the college’s CORE community about teaching, administration, and leadership. Olivia actively engages in learning, leading, and supporting all aspects of faculty development and many of the operations within CORE. For example, Olivia quietly drafted an application for institutional sponsorship before many involved in the single accreditation process had reviewed the requirements. “Her efforts on the application have given the leadership a basis to work from as well as helped identify pertinent issues,” said Assistant Director of Faculty Development Joyce Jadwin, Psy.D., who nominated Olivia., “Olivia forwards the mission and goals of the department and college through her commitment to excellence, innovative strategies, and strategic focus.”

Classified

Pamela Dixson,
Executive Assistant
Heritage College, Dublin

Pam Dixson is recognized as a dedicated and caring professional who pays attention to details and routinely goes above and beyond. She and Malissa Gilkey, who nominated Pam, recently worked together to coordinate a dinner at the annual conference of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. “My husband was killed during this planning process. Pam quickly took on all the tasks of arranging this event including the venue, transportation, menu, beverage options and payment for the expenses,” said Malissa. During this time, Pam kept the planning process moving smoothly while keeping Malissa informed. Malissa explained that Pam cares about others and represents what the Heritage College is all about: “a professional family that completes the task at hand but always thinking of others while we complete the job.”

Faculty

Elizabeth Beverly, Ph.D., 
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine,
Department of Family Medicine

Liz Beverly balances teaching, research and service. Having received multiple DOC awards, she is noted for her ability to engage and mentor students. She is also recognized for her work building collaborative research teams, putting together grant proposals, and spearheading or assisting on multiple initiatives at the college and The Diabetes Institute. Darlene Berryman, Ph.D., R.D., executive director of The Diabetes Institute, nominated Liz, sharing several examples of how Liz has gone above and beyond for the Heritage College. For example, one week before the due date, she was asked and then succeeded in writing a grant proposal for a project looking at obesity in rural southeastern Ohio. She also coordinated the development of a welcome kit for all incoming Ohio University students with diabetes and developed educational materials about diabetic emergencies for Ohio University faculty and staff. “Liz is a true gem,” said Berryman. “It is her extraordinary balance of teaching, research and service and her exemplary performance in all areas that makes her worthy of this award.”

February 2015

Administrative

Rachael Crouch,
Special Assistant to the Executive Dean,
Office of the Executive Dean

Rachael Crouch manages the day-to-day operations of the office of the executive dean. From overseeing large events to handling non-routine items, Rachael works behind the scenes to make sure projects run smoothly and nothing falls through the cracks. Chief Administrative Officer Beth Maxon nominated Rachael saying, “Rachael always puts the success of the Heritage College first and it shows in her work and work effort.”

Classified

John Dehmann,
Facilities Coordinator,
Administrative Services

John Dehmann is the go-to person whenever something breaks in the college’s buildings. Recently, a steam valve break in Parks Hall caused water to leak into hallways and offices on four floors. The water threatened to damage University Medical Associates’ paper records, supplies and equipment. John minimized disruptions so that UMA staff could continue caring for patients. “John, covered in dirt, water, and sweat from his efforts, still managed to maintain a sense of humor and a smile, and not once did he complain about any of it,” said UMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Davies, M.S., M.B.A., who nominated John. “His reliability, coupled with his genuinely kind personality, makes him an asset to our organization.”

Faculty

Patrick O’Connor, Ph.D.,
Professor of Neuroscience in the
Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Director of the Clinical Presentation Curriculum

Called one of the hardest working, most dedicated professors at the Heritage College, Patrick O’Connor, Ph.D., juggles multiple responsibilities. He is a professor of anatomical sciences in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, whose research on dinosaurs and birds has received international attention. He is also director of the Clinical Presentation Curriculum and takes an active role in mentoring students and junior faculty. Assistant Professor Joseph Bianco, Ph.D., who nominated Pat, describes him as “living proof that faculty can truly excel at research, teaching and service. His contributions in all three areas are outstanding. His drive for continuous improvement is inspiring and contagious.”

January 2015

Administrative

John Sattler,
Photo Resources Supervisor,
Office of Communication

John has been taking pictures for the Heritage College for 30 years. Chief Communications Officer Karoline Lane, who nominated John, calls him “an amazing shooter” who shows up with his camera whenever and wherever he’s needed. “One of the reasons why we can tell the stories, promote our messages successfully, is because of John's photos. He is also one of our college's greatest ambassadors. His connection with our students, which turns into connections with our alumni, and with our stakeholders, has had an incredible positive impact on our important relationships,” says Lane.

Classified

Rhonda Wallace,
administrative specialist,
CORE Research Office

For about six months, Rhonda supported our Dublin campus while the CORE office searched for an administrative support person. According to CORE Research Executive Director Grace Brannan, Ph.D., who nominated Rhonda, “She worked above and beyond the call of duty to meet deadlines for CORE Research and CORE offices in Dublin. Rhonda is a wonderful coworker!” Rhonda has worked for the Heritage College for the past three years.

Faculty

Jody Gerome, D.O. (’05),
CORE assistant dean for the Southeast Ohio region and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology

Jody serves multiple roles at the Heritage College. She is an administrator, preceptor and elected faculty officer. Joyce Jadwin, Psy.D., assistant director of faculty development, nominated Jody, noting that she does more than what’s required in service to the college and students and she handles her obligations with “a professional demeanor, a thoughtful approach to her work, and openness to feedback, change, and ideas.”

CARE Award Past Nominees