Seven Earn Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

Six SUNY Oswego employees and one student earned Chancellor’s Awards, the highest award for excellence given by the SUNY system.

Three dedicated SUNY Oswego staff members — for whom a year of adaptation built up their previous years of service — have earned the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. The 2021 award winners are Jennifer Broderick, creative director of development and alumni engagement communications; Angie Brown, director of student health services; and Kate Wolfe-Lyga ’02, director of the Counseling Services Center.

Described as an “invaluable asset” to SUNY Oswego, Sherri Devercelly of facility services has earned the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

Continuing work to elevate learning on the SUNY Oswego campus and across academia has earned John Kane, director of the college’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) and a professor of economics, a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service.

From studying the scale of the universe to inspiring students across the globe, SUNY Oswego physics professor Shashi Kanbur’s far-reaching efforts earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities.

EXCELLENCE IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Jennifer Broderick

A member of alumni and development’s creative team since 1997, Broderick’s duties have grown and evolved to make her a valuable campus-wide team player, wrote nominator Margaret Spillett, director of communications for development and alumni engagement.

Calling her “the backbone” of that team, Spillett said Broderick “serves as the production manager of all communications, including an annual calendar of 220+ unique emails, dozens of print jobs and hundreds of social posts on three platforms, among other communications.”

“She is detail-oriented, organized and efficient in managing a very full docket of jobs,” Spillett wrote. “She creates institutional knowledge that will guide the college well into the future. She keeps us moving forward steadily while maintaining the highest quality and consistency in our communications.”

Broderick’s production management skill is paralleled by her creative talent and ability to work with others and to adapt.

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jen has remained flexible and willing to do whatever was needed to keep our alumni and students engaged and caring about the college,” Spillett wrote. “She showed great initiative in learning new skills when we were presented with new tasks like building the online magazine, creating Kudoboards for senior class and colleagues’ retirements, and making editable PDF forms.”

“Her work behind-the-scenes makes all of us look good,” wrote Mary Gibbons Canale ’81, the college’s vice president for development and alumni engagement. “Her work clearly helps us express who we are as an alumni and college community, shapes others’ perceptions of the college and elevates our work through compelling visuals.”

Broderick’s highly developed skillset and easy-going personality make her sought-after for a variety of projects and virtually every major special event in the last 25 years, Canale added.

“She is an exceptionally caring and dedicated employee, and will put in whatever work is necessary to not only get the job done, but often done beyond our expectations,” Canale noted. “She recently redesigned the award-winning OSWEGO Alumni Magazine, its corresponding website and the Alumni and Development main website while maintaining the day-to-day communications of our division.”

Laura Pavlus Kelly ’09, who is now the executive director of the Oswego Alumni Association, remembered as a student that Broderick made her feel welcomed and valued — while modeling the traits of an exemplary professional.

“As a full-time colleague, I’ve valued those same characteristics, as well as Jen’s humor and optimism throughout — which make day-to-day projects, tasks and challenges easier and more enjoyable to tackle collaboratively,” Kelly wrote. “She’s also helped to find cost-effective solutions to traditional marketing efforts, after assessing research and new trends across our industry.”

Angie Brown

“Angie has demonstrated an unmatched work ethic, a commitment to inclusion of marginalized students and a desire to support the overall health and wellness of the SUNY Oswego campus community,” wrote nominator Wolfe-Lyga, who did not realize she also was being nominated for the same award.

Brown’s many accomplishments include leading the college’s re-accreditation under the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, serving as a founding committee member of the Students Helping Oz Peers (SHOP) food pantry, expanding the “Get Yourself Tested” sexual health outreach initiative and providing a more inclusive approach to health services.

“Angie has managed the difficult task of maintaining stability of student healthcare availability while innovating many of the treatment options and services,” Wolfe-Lyga noted. “Through her hard work and dedication to the students of SUNY Oswego, Angie led and supported the college’s efforts in celebrating the diversity by including services like those of transgender care.”

In tackling the pandemic, Brown was a superstar and steadying influence that made a real difference in a new, evolving and complex situation, wrote Kathleen Evans ’88, assistant vice president for student development.

“Specifically, she helped to develop our campus isolation and quarantine plans, campus safety plans and collaborated with outside agencies to provide adequate testing, contact tracing and communications to the campus regarding the pandemic,” Evans said. “She worked endless hours during the Fall 2020 semester — including most evenings and weekends, communicating with Upstate Medical University and the Oswego County Health department, as well as directly with our students and their families, providing a highly empathetic and professional response to positive test results.”

“Angie’s resolve to problem solve, keep students first and provide input to guide the institution gives some insight into her work ethic,” wrote Shaun Crisler, the assistant vice president for residence life and housing.

In addition to the level of technical knowledge and competence of Brown, a family nurse practitioner who joined the college in 2013 and has been the director of health services since 2015, her ability to work with and lead others has been key in such a human-focused profession, Evans wrote.

“Angie’s strength lies in her ability to supervise and manage staff,” Evans said. “She leads by example, is warm and approachable and she regularly provides both positive feedback and constructive criticism.”

“Angie not only works at improving the health center and the services for students, but also improving the campus,” wrote Tara Auler, a registered nurse in Walker Health Center. “Angie is a resource for faculty, staff and parents/guardians for those with questions or concerns about students. Angie truly wants to help all students.”

Kate Wolfe-Lyga

Wolfe-Lyga, who returned to her alma mater in 2016, “jumped into the position as director of Counseling Services with both feet and an energy that has not yet let up,” wrote nominator Jane LeBlanc, associate director of clinical services. “She started with a team mindset and early on was able to show her enthusiastic embrace of change and challenge, in an effort to meet the students where they are in today’s world and make the most of all of the resources the campus has to offer.”

Since then, Wolfe-Lyga has accomplished many tasks large and small, including leading the sizable effort required to attain International Accreditation of Counseling Services certification in 2018. Wolfe-Lyga recently earned a Special Presidential Commendation Award from her colleagues in the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors, recognizing that she is one of the best nationally in her profession.

On the SUNY level, Wolfe-Lyga serves as a special advisor to President Deborah F. Stanley, who co-chairs the SUNY Mental Health Task force. “She has presented and advocated for students and centers at the Chancellor’s level,” LeBlanc wrote. “Closer to home, some additional praise can be extended to her work within Student Affairs and bringing together a number of departments together,” such as leading efforts to support SHOP, a Student Mental Wellness Fair, resources, training, committee work and more.

Nominators said Wolfe-Lyga’s commitment appears in the many grants and new programs she brings to campus including a federal SAMSHA Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant, which brought $287,000 to SUNY Oswego in 2020. “The purpose of this program is to develop a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to enhance services for all college students, including those at risk for suicide, depression, serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders that can lead to school failure,” LeBlanc wrote.

“Kate immediately developed and initiated a comprehensive plan to provide tele-counseling services for our students” when the college’s operations moved toward remote in spring 2020, Evans recalled. The result was “a seamless transition to telehealth so that services continued as much the same as possible,” LeBlanc added.

Robin McAleese ’93 M’95 CAS’09, a now-retired member of the counseling services staff and a previous winner of this Chancellor’s Award, said Wolfe-Lyga “embodies the essential traits of a solid leader.”

“She set the direction, acknowledged that at times it would and could be a stretch for us as a team, was open to ideas, kept her eyes on the goals as the rest of us dug through the day-to-day, reminded us that our work was important, showed gratitude, encouraged self-care and invited us to laugh often,” McAleese wrote.

EXCELLENCE IN CLASSIFIED SERVICE

Sherri Devercelly

Calling her a “consummate professional,” nominator Mitch Fields, associate vice president for facilities, noted that Devercelly exhibits “excellence in leadership, customer service, professionalism and genuine kindness.”

Devercelly is a member of the academic buildings custodial services staff who positively impacts the campus community on a regular basis with words as well as actions, Fields wrote. She has worked for SUNY Oswego for 16 years and consistently earns excellent evaluations.

“Her ability to lead by example is exemplary,” Fields said. “She supports her staff, listens to them, and engages in proactive strategies to increase morale and ensure excellent customer service. Her staff and her customers appreciate and value her, her work ethic, and her positive nature.”

Devercelly’s motivation and ability to complete work are top-level, to the point that she regularly seeks more work and more demanding assignments.

“Additionally, whenever there is a need for work beyond her normal assignment, she is always one of the first to volunteer,” Fields said, noting particularly that she took on the challenge of working in quarantine and isolation buildings that were vital to containing the pandemic and maintaining healthy operations.

“Sherri calmly balances and organizes to complete any and all her work beyond reproach,” Fields said. “Every day she demonstrates exemplary customer service in her interactions with everyone.”

Devercelly’s caring and consideration comes through in managing all employees with respect, meticulous attention to detail and ability to solve problems of every size and variety.

“Through her many dedicated efforts and contributions, she has managed to elevate her colleagues, the facilities department and the college,” Fields wrote.

EXCELLENCE IN FACULTY SERVICE

John Kane

Kane consistently has demonstrated “dedication and unparalleled skill in supporting excellence in teaching at SUNY Oswego, within SUNY and beyond,” wrote nominator Kristin Croyle, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

In addition to excelling as a teacher, scholar and mentor since joining SUNY Oswego in 1983, Kane’s commitment to leadership in CELT — especially in helping faculty adapt quickly when the pandemic forced remote teaching in spring 2020 — received praise from supporters.

Kane “used his expertise in developing faculty to be excellent teachers to facilitate the pivot of the 500 plus faculty at SUNY Oswego and beyond to remote teaching in March 2020,” Croyle wrote. “John recognized what a tremendous challenge this would be for the majority of the faculty at our institution who teach solely face-to-face and our students who prefer that modality and would have limited technological access participating in class from home.”

In the span of just 10 days before Oswego resumed operations with remote instruction after the 2020 spring break, “CELT led 26 workshops that faculty could participate in face-to-face, remotely or watch later that gave them the support and tools they would need to begin the pivot to remote instruction,” Croyle noted, with Kane ultimately leading hundreds of faculty through a transition that continued into the following academic year. “Though I know that he literally worked night and day through March and then through the summer to take this on, his efforts have provided the firm foundation that so many of us needed.”

Connecting Educators

As director of CELT since 2008, Kane “has provided services to Oswego that far exceed the expectations for this position,” wrote fellow economics professor Elizabeth Schmitt, who also chairs the college’s Faculty Assembly. “Under his leadership, John has expanded the volume and variety of programming through workshops, reading groups and podcasts.”

“Tea for Teaching,” a podcast Kane co-hosts with Rebecca Mushtare ’03, the associate director of CELT, features national experts on higher-education pedagogy — the method and practice of teaching — and is nearing its 200th episode. It began in 2017 when Kane and Mushtare were looking for another effective avenue to advise SUNY Oswego faculty on successful teaching techniques, but has since gained an international audience.

“John is a leader in pedagogy and the use of technology in teaching and learning, but John is best known for creating pathways to share this knowledge so all faculty can improve their teaching,” wrote SUNY Oswego Chief Technology Officer Sean Moriarty.

“John is always focused on helping the student first, realizing and understanding the cost constraints that technology can have on students,” Moriarty said. “John reads and researches extensively, as well as talks to and interviews the leading experts in these fields. John utilizes and experiments with these technology tools and techniques with his students. Because of John’s vast experience and expertise, this gives John incredible credibility throughout his profession.”

Spearheading burgeoning Spring Break Out and Winter Break Out sessions, which range from teaching techniques to new technological tools to other skills development to ways to preserve health and wellness, Kane has developed a successful and inclusive program for Oswego employees.

“In the 2019-2020 academic year alone, CELT offered over 250 workshops with over 3,000 attendees, a 200 percent increase since 2008,” Schmitt noted.

“I don’t think we have anyone on our campus who works harder than John Kane and means more to the professional development of our faculty when it comes to teaching and learning,” Associate Provost Rameen Mohammadi wrote.

“John is passionate about this topic and lives and breathes thinking about ways that we can help faculty get better,” Mohammadi said. “He believes in the effective use of tools in the classroom and in support of the learning process. He believes in sound research-based approaches that are effective in helping students learn. He has been effective in breaking the myths about how people learn, their learning styles and other misconceptions that get in the way of improving student learning.”

Innovative Teaching

This devotion to technology that can empower and bring out the best of students translates into Kane’s own classes.

“In upper-division courses his students are engaged in writing a book, creating wikis or podcasting and many other high-impact activities to learn,” Mohammadi noted. “He learns to use tools with significant research behind them and selflessly shares everything he learns with all of his colleagues to help them.”

Kane’s scholarship and research has earned awards as well, including the January 2020 John Ward and Michael Piette Research Prize, recognizing highly cited forensic research conducted by Kane and now-retired economics colleague Larry Spizman.

He also has contributed to top journals including Economics of Education Review, Journal of Forensic Economics, Journal of Human Resources and Journal of Economic Integration, and organized conference sessions in econometrics (the statistical and mathematical analysis of economic relationships) and labor economics for the Eastern Economic Association, the latter often involving Oswego alumni.

Kane holds his Ph.D. and master’s degrees in economics from Stony Brook University, as well as a bachelor’s in economics from King’s College in Pennsylvania. From the time he joined SUNY Oswego in 1983, “One consistent theme throughout my career has been a focus on exploring ways in which computer technology can make our lives more productive and efficient and sharing what I’ve discovered with others,” Kane wrote.

On the campus level, Kane poured this passion into his work from his first day on the job and later chairing the Oswego Campus Technology Advisory Board for several years.

“From his early years, John used his roles on campus technology advisory boards and computing services committees to shape the development of instructional technologies at Oswego and provide support in its use,” Schmitt noted. “With his work on campus technology committees and advisory boards, John pushed the wiring of the campus for ethernet connectivity, instructional technologies in the classroom and, for years prior to the full development of Campus Technology Services, served as the unofficial technical support for users all over campus.”

That commitment also has made him a leader in the SUNY system, where he currently chairs the Faculty Advisory Council on Teaching and Technology (FACT2) and leads some of its task groups. Previous FACT2 chair Jeffrey Riman of the Fashion Institute of Technology praised the “positive spirit of collaboration, serious rigor and innovation” Kane brings to all his efforts.

“His seemingly boundless capacity to work as a colleague, faculty member and fierce advocate for continuous qualitative progress and growth is now legendary,” Riman wrote. “Never one to accept commonly held knowledge as fact, he continually challenges the status quo in thoughtful and probative ways that elevates the outcome of almost every effort. His accomplishments as a leader and an academic not only provide ample evidence of his skills but they also have helped foster a more collaborative culture amongst his council colleagues.”

EXCELLENCE IN SCHOLARSHIP AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

Sashi Kanbur

“Dr. Kanbur brings excellence into the classroom where he inspires students by serving as a role model for high achievement through innovation and hard work,” SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley wrote in support of the award. “Throughout his career at SUNY Oswego, Dr. Kanbur has been extraordinarily productive with regard to his scholarly work, presenting his research locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Kanbur’s primary area of research involves trying to determine the size and age of the universe through measuring pulsating stars. In his 25 years of work on this question, Kanbur and co-authors — including Oswego undergraduates — from around the world have published nearly 50 papers in high-impact journals and presented at conferences across the globe.

“Prof. Kanbur is a prolific scholar who has published his research findings in prominent journals, has regularly mentored students at SUNY Oswego, attended local, national and international conferences, maintained a strong network of international collaborations and attracted significant research funding to SUNY Oswego,” wrote nominator Mohammad Islam, who chairs Oswego’s physics department.

Ongoing collaborations connect Kanbur and his students with scholars in Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, Islam noted. Kanbur has earned the Chretein Award from the American Astronomical Society.

“He has brought in approximately $1.7 million in external funds to SUNY Oswego in a mix of initiatives focused on his area of scholarship and on undergraduate STEM education,” wrote Kristin Croyle, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Kanbur also has mentored more than 50 students, “including several who have progressed to Ph.D.s, postdoctoral fellowships and leading industry positions,” Croyle said, adding that “15 of his undergraduate students have co-authored peer-reviewed papers with him. His scholarship is not only strengthening the field of astrophysics through new contributions, but is also building the strength of the field through encouragement and mentoring of promising new scholars.”

With his astronomy research connecting beyond borders, Kanbur received letters of recommendations from top scholars around the globe — but perhaps the most meaningful words came from Oswego alumni propelled to success from Kanbur’s efforts.

‘Extremely Supportive’

Earl Bellinger ’12 now works at the Stellar Astrophysics Centre in Aarhus University’s department of physics and astronomy in Denmark. He is one of many students who wrote letters on how Kanbur’s passion and generosity launched them into ambitious and rewarding careers. “He is extremely supportive of his students and provides them every possible opportunity,” Bellinger wrote.

Bellinger’s collaboration with Kanbur started as a freshman working on automating a robotic telescope for the National Laboratory for Astrophysics in Brazil. Working on international projects and visiting Brazil opened new worlds to him.

“Experiencing new cultures and also getting to participate in cutting-edge international research profoundly influenced the path I decided to take in life,” Bellinger said. “Thanks to Shashi’s guidance, I am now a postdoctoral research fellow and have worked in 11 research labs across six different countries.”

“When I first met Shashi, I was a wide-eyed high school senior, visiting SUNY Oswego after being offered admission,” wrote Daniel Wysocki ’15, who later earned his Ph.D. and now works with a leading research group at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “My dream was to become an astrophysicist. Seeing the cutting-edge research students were carrying out under Shashi’s supervision, I knew Oswego was the place for me.”

Kanbur’s mentorship led to an internship at NASA and research projects in Taiwan and India studying various aspects of variable stars. “Looking back a decade later as a professional astrophysicist, I know Oswego was the right choice, and that Shashi set me on a trajectory of success,” Wysocki said.

Similarly, Kenny Roffo ’17, now a software engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, discovered his path in life meeting Kanbur at an admissions event.

“He was excited to meet me, a prospective student of physics, and after a fantastic introductory conversation, he took me to the physics lab, where we performed a reproduction of one of the greatest experiments in physics, Young’s Double-Slit Experiment,” Roffo wrote. “I had read about this experiment in school, but to see it in person, with a professor who was so clearly just as enthused as I was, was exhilarating.”

After an internship and co-op with NASA’s JPL and research internships in India and Germany — the latter under Bellinger — Roffo came to realize “I had achieved so much that I used to think was impossible,” he wrote. “When I met Dr. Kanbur in 2011, he inspired me, and made me believe that I could achieve greatness. There is no question that on this promise, he certainly did deliver, and I fully believe that if it were not for Dr. Kanbur I would not be where I am today.”

Dedication to Students

Gregory Feiden ’08, who later earned his Ph.D. and teaches astronomy at the University of North Georgia, said he models his teaching, research and mentorship on his lessons from Kanbur, who he also noted as “a respected voice in the astrophysics community” whose expertise is among the best in the world.

“Shashi’s record as a leading scholar in the astrophysics community is meritorious,” Feiden wrote. “More importantly, however, is that Shashi is fully committed to his role as a professor, advisor, and mentor at SUNY Oswego. He shows an unmatched dedication to his students, their learning, and their career success.”

While an Oswego undergraduate, Brett Meerdink ’20, now a physics Ph.D. student at the University of Georgia, had the opportunity to collaborate on advanced astrophysics research in a partnership that included Yale University and the University of Delhi in India, an institution he was able to visit and with whose researcher he co-authored articles in top journals.

“Through Dr. Kanbur’s dedication and passion for excellence in physics, mathematics, and astrophysics, he has enabled his students to achieve their ultimate research goals,” Meerdink wrote. “Dr. Kanbur sets a tremendous example of dedication and passion in his academic, professional, and collegial relationships. He goes above and beyond for his students, mentees and colleagues, always willing and available to give advice, guidance and help.”

Daniel Jacob Crain ’07, who earned his Ph.D. from Clarkson after his Oswego degree, is now a senior process engineer at Intel Corporation, which he owes to opportunities Kanbur presented.

“Without Dr. Kanbur’s fervent pursuit of research opportunities I and many other students would have been unable to grow their education beyond the normal bounds of undergraduate studies,” Crain wrote. “Shashi’s door seemed to be always open when I stopped by to ask questions. Discussing the topic at hand with cheer and kindness, fostering an open discussion, that furthered my mastery of subjects.”

While directing Oswego’s Global Laboratory program, Kanbur helped facilitate summer internships for more than 200 students in Taiwan, Brazil, Europe, India and Africa.

In addition, Kanbur has mentored Ph.D. students in India and supported studies of scholars around the world who share his passion for exploring the secrets of the universe.

He earned his Ph.D in astrophysics, as well as his bachelor’s in mathematics and astronomy, from the University of London. Between those degrees, Kanbur received a master’s in mathematical statistics from Stanford University and a diploma of mathematical statistics from the University of Cambridge.

Kanbur is also a lifelong learner in another of his passions — playing jazz saxophone. Notably “at the height of his professional career, Shashi chose to become a beginner again,” wrote music faculty member Eric Schmitz. Kanbur has sat in with the faculty-led Oswego Jazz Project, humbly joined the Oswego State Jazz Ensemble big band and plays open mics around Central New York. “It has been inspiring to hear his progress and engage with his increasing curiosity in all things saxophone- and jazz-related,” Schmitz added.

STUDENT EXCELLENCE

SUNY Oswego biology graduate Christian DiBiase ’21 earned a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence for outstanding work spanning classrooms, research labs and fieldwork to help others.

DiBiase, who earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while tackling demanding academic programs in his biology major and chemistry minor, maximized his opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

James MacKenzie, professor and chair of biological sciences, called DiBiase “one of the most intelligent, hardworking and independent students I have ever worked with,” knowing him as a teacher, academic advisor and research mentor for DiBiase’s “outstanding” participation in researching the effects of PCBs on freshwater mussels.

DiBiase also has worked with biological sciences faculty member Poongodi Geetha-Loganathan to study the biochemical process of browning in apples. With faculty Kamal Mohamed and Matthew Baker, he has researched artemisinin, an anti-malarial agent, in the previously unstudied artemisia plant that is native to Western North America.

In addition, via a connection from faculty member Cleane Medieros, DiBiase traveled to Brazil in summer 2019 to study the potential effects of organic nitrates on alleviating hypertension in rats.

“The research opportunities and the faculty I’ve worked with have been amazing,” DiBiase said.

DiBiase has presented research at the national Sigma Xi conference and the regional Rochester Academy of Sciences Conferences, also obtaining local and regional grants to support his projects. Other awards in his time at Oswego have also included the Norman and Elsie Gillette Outstanding Senior in Biology Award and Patti McGill Peterson Honors Program Award.

Realizing Possibilities

With a strong academic background that could have opened doors anywhere, the Ravena native had his eyes on a SUNY school because of its affordability, and liked Oswego’s beautiful campus and state-of-the-art Shineman Center.

Oswego’s Possibility Scholarship, a merit- and need-based comprehensive scholarship for students planning to enter the STEM field, cinched his decision to study at the lakeside college. “I received an amazing scholarship that pays for everything,” DiBiase said. “It makes it easier to focus on my studies.”

DiBiase also put time into involvement that meets his passions and interests, including volunteering for the on-campus Student Association Volunteer Ambulance Corps and for Oswego Hospital. “I’ve always liked volunteering and helping others,” DiBiase explained.

One of the most memorable experiences was participating in SUNY Stands with Puerto Rico, a summer 2018 experience on that island helping inhabitants rebuild and recover from extensive hurricane damage. “To be a part of addressing that and meeting people who have gone through that really provides insight,” DiBiase said. “It puts your life in context, and makes you grateful to be able to help.”

DiBiase also took part in the college’s alternative break activities by working in an HIV/AIDS clinic in New Orleans and by serving as a group leader for a trip to Washington, D.C., working with Food and Friends to deliver tailored meals to people with chronic illnesses and requiring specific dietary accommodations.

He also has served fellow students as a peer advisor to first-year biology and zoology majors, a teaching assistant for an introductory biology course and secretary for the Pre-Health Club.

“You do not need to talk with him for long before you realize he has a true passion for learning, experiencing everything he can, and helping people,” MacKenzie said. “What is even more remarkable is that he does all of this in an extraordinarily personable and humble manner.”

The week after graduation, DiBiase was getting married before relocating to attend a graduate physician assistant program at Barry University in Miami. The 27-month program will prepare him for his goal of becoming a practicing physician assistant.

“I have always held an interest in healthcare and in one day operating in a position that is devoted to the welfare of others,” DiBiase wrote in his personal statement. “Altogether, my interactions with patients and experiences with the demands and rewards of working in a healthcare environment have solidified my desire to become a physician assistant, for it is a role in which I know I can make resounding impacts in the lives of others.”

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