The First Annual Celebration of Excellence paid tribute to UICOMP’s valued educators and supporters.
By Jim Burwitz
Over the last 40 years, UICOMP has endured its share of challenges, including the state’s recent economic hardships. Despite the various obstacles, the College of Medicine has advanced its mission with the help of faculty, alumni, and community partners.
On October 7, 2009, UICOMP said “thank you” to these dedicated contributors at the First Annual Celebration of Excellence.
Excellence In Education And Service
Held in the main campus building, the special event was hosted by Dr. Sara Rusch, UICOMP’s Regional Dean, Dr. John Halvorsen, Thomas and Ellen Foster Professor and Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, and Dr. Carol Packard, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
“The Celebration of Excellence is one of many ways UICOMP recognizes the time, effort, and care our faculty give to the college’s mission of teaching, service, and research,” says Dr. Packard, who collaborated with student presenters to honor 43 members of UICOMP’s faculty. “The majority of our teaching faculty are local physicians who volunteer their time to teach students and residents. Ours is a true community effort to provide excellent healthcare, now and in the future.”
Dr. Rusch dedicated a portion of the program to recognizing the Peoria Medical Alumni Council and the Dean’s Community Associates Council. The volunteer members of each group collaborate with UICOMP’s leadership team to enhance the educational experience for students and residents and raise the quality of healthcare throughout the region.
In addition, Dr. Rusch gave special thanks to the Swain family, who supported the College of Medicine’s Living Healthy series through the Swain Endowed Lectureship. Established in 1999 through a gift from the Timothy W. and Katherine Altorfer Swain Charitable Trust, the Swain Lectureship supports community education in preventive healthcare, autoimmune diseases, and the afflictions of older adults.
Excellence In Community Health
The Celebration of Excellence concluded with the presentation of UICOMP’s Community Health Awards. Established in 1996, separate awards are presented each year to an individual and an organization.
“This program began in 1996 when former Regional Dean Michael Bailie decided to focus special attention on relevant local, regional, and national healthcare issues,” says Dr. Halvorsen, who chaired the Community Health Awards committee. “The first award was presented to Dr. Joseph Solovy, who spent his entire career serving the people of Central Illinois. Since then, the College of Medicine has honored more than 20 individuals and organizations for their ongoing commitment to improving community health.”
Dr. Halvorsen presented the 2009 organizational award to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Peoria Memorial Affiliate. Established by Nancy Brinker in 1982, the organization is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer. To date, Komen for the Cure has awarded almost $7 million to local groups to support breast cancer screening, education, and awareness. The ongoing Race for the Cure has become Komen’s signature event and the largest fundraising endeavor of its kind in the history of Peoria’.
The 2009 individual award was given to Dr. William H. Albers. Dr. Albers has been a fixture in Peoria’s medical community since 1967. During his distinguished career he has served as Director of Medical Education for OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Medical Director for Children’s Hospital of Illinois, and Acting Director and Senior Associate Dean for UICOMP. In 1994, he received the Miracle Maker Award from the Children’s Miracle Network.
The Good Work Continues
More than 150 guests joined Drs. Rusch, Halvorsen, and Packard at the First Annual Celebration of Excellence. It was a unique opportunity to give back to those who give so much to UICOMP and the community.
“We thank our honorees for the work they have done and continue to do,” says Dr. Halvorsen.
To view photos from the First Annual Celebration of Excellence, click here.
(Photography by Dr. Allan C. Campbell.)
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