One of the most prestigious awards, the UNE COM Student DO of the Year Award, was presented by the outgoing Vice President of the SGA, Phil Lee. He had the pleasure to recognize the incomparable, Max Cohen, OMS-III, as the recipient of this year’s award for his remarkable ability as a leader, educator, and advocate for his fellow students. They both hail from Boston University, and first met at Orientation, where Max’s friendly, inviting personality made incoming students feel at home. Max was always giving one hundred percent of himself, from acting SOMA president, to visiting older adults at the McArthur Home in Biddeford, to helping students with anything from test prep, to humble advice and mentoring. Lee states, “He left a lasting impact on our local Biddeford community… based on his accomplishments, leadership, and compassion, it was not hard to see that Max embodied the spirit of what it means to be a UNE COM Student DO.”
Professional staff and faculty were also recognized at the celebration. COM’s very own Pat Kelley, MS, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, took the Outstanding Professional Staff Award. One student stated, “Dean Kelley is an amazing advocate for her students. She truly cares about each and every one of her students and alumni.”
Although he couldn’t make the event, Mark Schuenke, PhD gave a wonderful acceptance speech (performed by Morgan O’Leary, OMS-I) for the OMSI Faculty of the Year award. His ability to blend education and humor had not gone unnoticed: “Dr. Schuenke makes lectures fun and engaging through his various Photoshop edits, Taylor Swift references, and lecture notes that are easy to follow along. I also appreciate the time and effort he put into being auctioneer for the SAAO Live Auction, which shows how he is willing to go above and beyond for his students and faculty at UNE COM.”
Although sad to see him leave, second-year students were thrilled to have Tristan Reynolds, DO, receive the OMSII Faculty of the Year award. Dr. Reynolds has been accepted to a residency program in Maine, and will be leaving at the end of the semester. One student stated, “[Dr. Reynolds] is an incredible teacher and mentor to both first and second year students.”
The celebration ended with the passing of the Student Government Association (SGA) gavel as outgoing President, Maria Jones, OMS-II, handed the reins off to Valerie Pendleton, OMS-I. To recognize their transition from pre-clinical to clinical years, second-year students were presented their pins by Dean Carreiro.
Emergency Medicine Club
Humanism in Aging Award Recipients along with Marilyn Gugliucci, PhD