I am proud to announce three terrific developments last week involving outstanding and accomplished Internal Medicine faculty members and the University of Iowa Faculty Senate.
Last Tuesday, the Faculty Senate elected Dr. Peter Snyder, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, as its next Vice President. Dr. Snyder will then serve as President the following year, and Past President the year after. When asked about the importance of this three-year commitment of service in the Senate and the body’s role at this institution, he said, “I believe that service to the University is a central part of our role as faculty, and it is critical to the strength of our institution. The Faculty Senate provides a voice for faculty to work collaboratively with President Harreld, and other members of the central administration, to directly influence the decisions that will affect the future of our university.” We are grateful for Dr. Snyder’s service and look forward to having a voice directly from our Department representing all of us.
That same Faculty Senate also announced the winners of two of their awards last week. First, the Michael J. Brody Award for Faculty Excellence to the University and the State of Iowa was awarded to Dr. Alexandra Thomas, Professor of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation. Dr. Thomas was nominated by Dr. Aliasger Salem, Professor in the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Salem cited her past service as Faculty Senate President, in particular her deft handling of controversial proposals and her guidance through the University’s presidential transition, as just one of the many reasons Dr. Thomas deserved this award. In addition, her service to the state through her work with the UI Breast Multi-disciplinary Oncology Group and its efforts to advance breast cancer care in Iowa has raised awareness of early detection’s importance as well as the excellent work being conducted at this institution. Dr. Thomas has contributed immensely to the University of Iowa and the state through her hard work and dedication.
The Faculty Senate also awarded the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence to Dr. George Weiner, Director of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and Professor of the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation. Each year, this award is given to as many as six faculty members at the University of Iowa in consideration of their outstanding commitment to teaching, service, and scholarship. Dr. Weiner was chosen as only one of two recipients this year. He shares this award with another College of Medicine colleague, Dr. Paul McCray from the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Weiner is that rare physician who demonstrates the best skills of a scientist, an academic, an administrator, and an advocate all in equal and extraordinary measure. His unflagging enthusiasm and collegiality have solved countless problems, from stubborn lymphomas to sudden funding gaps. His stature is global in reach and serves as an exemplary asset to this institution, college, and department.
Please join me in congratulating all of our colleagues on their tremendous achievements.