University Day 2000

On September 9, UMDNJ celebrated academic excellence in grand fashion at University Day 2000. It was held in the Medical Science Building at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) in Newark. As part of the celebration, a new University logo was unveiled, inspiring teachers were rewarded with charter memberships in the newly created Master Educators' Guild, and the University Medal was awarded to the Hon. Donald T. DiFrancesco, President of the New Jersey Senate.

In his State of the University address, Stuart Cook, MD, president, reported that the University has made excellent progress toward achieving the five strategic goals that were set in March 1999, which include doubling research funding by 2004, improving educational outcomes, enhancing patient care, improving efforts in community service, and building UMDNJ's reputation both statewide and nationally. He also announced the recent approval by the Board of Trustees for a $356 million University-wide capital construction plan for the Newark, Piscataway and Stratford campuses.

David Gibson, EdD, dean, UMDNJ - School of Health Related Professions, introduced the 12 faculty members selected as the first Master Educators (see page 14). The selection process included formal input from students, faculty and administrators, and the guild members were chosen by their deans. A stipend was awarded to each.

Cook also paid special tribute to Michael Bassoff, president of the Foundation of UMDNJ, board chair Donald Fine, vice president, Johnson & Johnson, and members of the Foundation board for their efforts in providing support for scholarship, research and construction programs at the University. Bassoff then presented the Foundation of UMDNJ's Research Recognition Award to Michael Mathews, PhD, professor and chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, NJMS (see previous page ).

A reception in the Grand Foyer following the formal program allowed guests and University attendees to mingle and celebrate. Here are some of the many who turned out to participate.

1.Left to right: Robert A.Saporito, DDS, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, with Master Educator Nagaswami S. Vasan, DVM, PhD, and his wife Cheryl.