Good Morning. I want to thank Michael Turner and the Alumni Counsel for considering me worthy of such a wonderful award. Under the leadership of Neal Regino, the Alumni Council has made great strides to improve the Alumni’s engagement with the Shipley Community.

Shipley provided me an excellent foundation for the educational areas I needed for future success. It took me awhile to figure out how I learn best. That wasn’t always in alignment with the deadlines! For me, what it came down to is the prep before a course starts and staying ahead of the course, not behind. I also had to tackle what I knew I never learned. Biology depends on Physics, Math and Chemistry. The pace of how quickly a course moves does not mean that my accountability to myself about a subject can end if understanding is needed for future work.

For example, I was always a fast reader but as a moved forward with my education, I realized I needed slow down my reading. I had been scanning the pages, not reading every word. As the density of the subject matter increased, I had to slow down and spend a lot more time, placing the context of each sentence into the main concept. 

As a department head and grant administrator, building activities and systems for STEM students to address their learning has been part of my life’s work.

In the context of my paid and volunteer roles, I still study. Science and Healthcare changes every day. I have been lucky to find spaces where my gifts, talents and interests align with moving the populations I serve towards a better life.

In my role as a Vice Chair of the board of Greater Philadelphia Health Action INC., I work on Quality Oversight of the federally qualified healthcare operations for almost 90,000 uninsured and under-insured patients in the Philadelphia area.

I like data analysis so making sure we meet federal agency health care standards is something I find enjoyable while also supporting the organization’s leadership providing services vital to Philadelphia residents.

For those of you who do not feel heard. Do not feel understood or feel like you do not fit in. Life will get better. I spent a lot of my Shipley years in observation mode. My former classmates have told me they remember me being very quiet. However, like some of you, I had to find my path forward, irrespective of the many influences in life. And, irrespective of the many challenges. You will find your voice and plant your feet into what you care about and are willing to work for.

I sought out mentors along the way, sometimes after a mistake, sometimes before a mistake. But always trying and working towards a greater good. My generation remembers John F Kennedy’s speech about service to your nation and community. Who is that voice for you?

Again, I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition. Thank you.