WesternU Gala Honors AmerisourceBergen, Raises Money for Student Scholarships
WesternU set new records in tickets sold and money raised at its annual “A Tribute to Caring” gala on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. The gala raised $182,000 for student scholarships and honored longtime College of Pharmacy supporter AmerisourceBergen Corporation with the 2011 A Tribute to Caring Corporate Humanitarian Award. Several magicians performed for the more than 600 guests as they mingled prior to the evening’s dinner and program.
Baudry Named New GCBS Dean
Michel Baudry was appointed dean of the Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences (GCBS) on October 18, 2011. Dr. Baudry, who most recently was a professor of biological sciences, neurology and biomedical engineering at the University of Southern California (USC), will join WesternU full time beginning in January 2012. After graduating from the prestigious Ecole Polytechnique in Paris in 1971, Dr. Baudry obtained a PhD in biochemistry at the University of Paris VII in 1977. He moved to the United States in 1978 for a postdoctoral period at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and remained at UCI as an associate professor until 1989, when he joined USC.
Lecture Speaker Focuses on Team Approach to Care
The future of American health care will rely on coordinated programs that bring a range of health sciences to bear for each patient and that focus more on the quality and humanity of care delivered than on its volume. That was the message delivered November 3, 2011, by Robert Margolis, Managing Partner and CEO of HealthCare Partners, who was the featured speaker for the 3rd annual Dr. Philip Pumerantz Distinguished Lectureship. Dr. Margolis, whose topic was “The Future of Health Care Delivery: A Physician’s Perspective,” founded HealthCare Partners in 1992 after working for several years as a practicing physician.
A Bright Future
WesternU invited 20 students from Sherman Indian High School to campus to spark their interest in the health professions. The students visited the College of Pharmacy Professional Development Laboratory and various classrooms on November 9, 2011. In addition, they toured Banfield, The Pet Hospital and observed a dog undergoing a surgery. Sherman Indian High School is a boarding high school for Native American students from approximately 70 tribes from around the country.
Shining a Light
Students paid their respects to Willed Body Program donors and their families, a gift that left an indelible impression on their early health sciences education. The student-sponsored Cadaver Farewell Memorial Service on October 26, 2011, honored 51 donors, including nine veterans who were recognized with a flag presentation and the playing of “Taps.” Students from the dental medicine, biomedical sciences, optometry, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy and podiatric medicine programs sang songs, read poetry, played musical instruments and shared their thoughts about the gift of donation.
WesternU, Chaminade University Sign New Linkage Agreement
Students from Chaminade University in Honolulu, HI, who want to become physical therapists or podiatric physicians now have a pipeline to making their dreams come true, as Chaminade and WesternU signed a linkage agreement on October 14, 2011. Last year COMP signed an agreement to help Chaminade students become osteopathic physicians, and now students from the Hawaii university will have the opportunity to become Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).
Upcoming Alumni Events
February 4: Private Alumni Luncheon and Tour at the Getty Center in West LA with President Philip Pumerantz.
April 12: Ray Symposium, featuring Joshua S. Benner, PharmD, ScD.
June 18: WesternU's Second Towne & Gown Golf Classic benefitting student scholarships at the Glendora Country Club in Glendora, CA.
For more infromation or to RSVP for these events, please contact the Alumni Office at (909) 469-5274 or alumni@westernu.edu.
Pumerantz Library
A question that we receive frequently from alumni is “Do I still have access to the library’s electronic resources?” Because of the restrictions in the license agreements to our e-resources we cannot provide remote access to alumni; however, if you are able to 
visit Pumerantz Library you still may use our e-resources. You do still have access to many open access resources listed in the Information & Services for Alumni. All reference services are provided to alumni; so if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call (909) 469-5323 and ask for Reference.
From the Archives:
December 21, 1995 – Santa Claus (Robert Fiorindo, Professor of Physiology) gives gifts to local children for the 6th Annual Santa’s Workshop event held in the Health Sciences Center.
University Archives
The University Archives serves as the official memory of the University, identifying and preserving documentation of continuing significant and historical value of the University. The Archives are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please contact University Archivist Olivia Solis for more information at (909) 469-5304 or osolis@westernu.edu.
Western Advi$or
At this special time of year, many of us complete our charitable gifts for 2011. There are several options for making such gifts many of which have been discussed in past articles - cash gifts, gifts of stock, endowed gifts to mention just a few. If you are considering a year-end gift or a bequest gift to WesternU or one of its colleges or programs and would like to review the many options available, we in the Planned Giving Department are available to assist you.
Warm wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous Holiday Season and New Year.
Olive B. Stephens, Planned Giving Administrator ~ (909) 469-5211 ~ ostephen@westernu.edu
Tim Bamrick, CSPG, Director of Development ~ (909) 706-3455 ~ tbamrick@westernu.edu
Academic Hoods Available for Purchase
Due to a vendor change, WesternU’s existing stock of Academic Hoods must be replaced for the 2012 Commencement Ceremony. This means that we are able to offer WesternU alumni the opportunity to purchase a professional quality academic hood from our existing stock for only $50 (plus $10 shipping and handling). Students purchasing new, professional quality academic hoods can usually expect to pay upwards of $200. For more information, click here.
Financial Aid News
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) recently opened its 2012 application cycle! The application cycle will be open until May 2012, however, providers are strongly encouraged to apply early.
WesternU Preview Day
Do you have friends or family members considering a career in the health professions? Send them to WesternU's Preview Day on Saturday, January 21, 2012, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., on the WesternU campus. Attendees will learn about all the opportunities WesternU has to offer and will provide information specific to every program of interest.
Let the Patient Care Center be Your Partner for Healthy Patients!
Tap into a trusted resource in WesternU’s Patient Care Center, where seven specialties collaborate to bring the ultimate health care experience to the community. The Patient Care Center welcomes the opportunity to partner with local physicians by accepting referrals for medical (including NMM and OMM), eye care, dental, diabetes and foot & ankle. The Patient Care Center is equipped with the most state-of-the-art equipment where student practitioners under the direct supervision of experienced faculty have the opportunity to examine and review individual patient needs. Please visit our website: www.westernupcc.com for more information.
Get Published in Humanism
Humanism Magazine would love to publish your original work: essays, works of art, poems, and photographs. The theme this year is "A Journey,” which allows creativity and exploration in its many interpretations. Be sure to review the submission guidelines prior to the deadline on February 15, 2012.
WesternU's Willed Body Program Needs Donors
The Willed Body Program at WesternU serves a vital role in educating health professions students. The program needs more volunteer donors. Please call Willed Body Program Director Nina McCoy at (909) 469-5431 for more information about the program, or visit the website: http://www.westernu.edu/osteopathy-wbp.
University Recruiting Standardized Patients
On Thursday, January 5, 2012, the Office of Medical Simulation will hold an event to recruit new Standardized Patients (SPs). An SP is a person trained to accurately and consistently portray a medical patient and participate in a simulated office visit where student doctors ask questions and/or conduct a basic physical exam. If you, your friends or family members might be interested in this as part time work, please contact Ken Lay, Standardized Patient Educator, at (909) 469-8494. SP work is open to all ages and ethnicities, and jobs are assigned based on case-specific requirements.
Jobs for Alumni
Interested in finding a new job or just seeing what is out there? Check out the job postings for alumni at the Alumni Career Resources Center.
Share Your News and Revise Personal Information
Have you recently married, started a new job, had a baby, or received a fantastic promotion? Update WesternU on your achievements so that we can share them with your fellow classmates. Please send any news to alumni@westernu.edu.
Suggestion Box
The Office of Alumni Relations would like to hear your views about alumni services at WesternU. If you have any thoughts about alumni events, participation, or would like to propose ideas, please contact us at (909) 469-5274 or alumni@westernu.edu.
News from the Colleges
Osteopathic Medicine (COMP)
Allied Health Professions -- HS, PA, PT (CAHP)
Pharmacy (COP)
Graduate Nursing (CGN)
Veterinary Medicine (CVM)
Dental Medicine (CDM)
Optometry (CO)
Podiatric Medicine (CPM)
Biomedical Sciences (GCBS)
If you do not wish to receive future alumni e-newsletters, please send an e-mail to alumni@westernu.edu requesting that the Alumni Office remove you from this distribution list. We will be happy to honor your request.
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