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Upstate to recognize outstanding service at Convocation Sept. 11

SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- Zahi N. Makhuli, M.D., of Upstate Medical University’s Department of Urology, will be recognized for distinguished service to Upstate along with 27 individuals and one corporation at the university’s Fall Faculty Convocation Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. in the Medical Alumni Auditorium in Weiskotten Hall. A reception will immediately follow. The Upstate community is invited.

Receiving the President’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropic Service in the Individual Category are John and Karen Hartnett, both of whom first became involved with Upstate University Hospital in 1991 when their young son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Since then, they have generously given their time and worked tirelessly to recruit family members and friends to join them in their quest to support the Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders and the care the center offers to families and children whose lives are touched by cancer. The Hartnett’s were instrumental in leading the community phase of the Upstate Cancer Center campaign, which raised more than $2 million.

PepsiCo will receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropic Service in the Corporate Division category. PepsiCo and the Foundation for Upstate Medical University have enjoyed a robust partnership for more than three decades. PepsiCo’s philanthropic investments total nearly $300,000. This year, PepsiCo’s sponsorship helped launch exciting new initiatives at Upstate, including GEM Care at Upstate’s Community campus; Upstate Urology research, education initiatives and equipment acquisitions; and the Women’s Health Network. Accepting the award on behalf of PepsiCo will be Dominick Sabatino, senior sales manager for the company.

Makhuli will receive the President’s Award for Distinguished Service. Makhuli joined Upstate’s Department of Urology in 1963 as a resident and has been on staff since 1966. In his career as a urologic surgeon for almost 50 years, he has exemplified an outstanding dedication and commitment to teaching, professional growth, student education and high academic and ethical standards. He has trained nearly 100 urologic surgeons now in practice across the globe.

A complete list of awards and honors to be presented at Convocation is below:

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities: Wendy R. Kates, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Margaret M. Maimone, Ph.D., Department of Cell and Developmental Biology

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service: Amy E. Moore, Information Management and Technology

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service: Roberto E. Izquierdo, M.D., departments of Medicine and Pediatrics

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service: Iris O’Neil, Environmental Services; Joseph J. Zelenyak, R.N., Emergency Department

President’s Award for Excellence and Leadership in Research: Kenneth A. Mann, Ph.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery; Steven L. Youngentob, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry

President’s Award for Excellence in Basic Research by a Young Investigator: Peter D. Calvert, Ph.D., Department of Ophthalmology

President’s Award for Excellence in Clinical Research by a Young Investigator: Christopher Neville, P.T., Ph.D., Department of Physical Therapy Education

President’s Award for Advancement of Affirmative Action: Paula Trief, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development

President’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service: Lisa Phelan, Curriculum Office

President’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service: David F. Lehmann, M.D., Pharm.D., Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology

President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: College of Medicine, Clinical Department: Stephen Knohl, M.D., Department of Medicine; College of Medicine, Basic Science Departments/College of Graduate Studies: George D. Ring, PhD, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; College of Nursing: Maria Elizabeth Wheelock, M.S.N., N.P.; College of Health Professions: Michelle Dolphin, D.P.T., MS, OCS; Binghamton Campus: Linda E. Fort, M.D., Department of Medicine

President’s Award for Outstanding Voluntary Faculty: College of Medicine: Kenroy Scott, M.D., M.Sc., Syracuse Community Health Center; College of Nursing: Lynn Odell, NP-BC, Private Practice, Syracuse; College of Health Professions: Timothy J, Ryan, MD, Lifecare Medical Associates, PC, Seneca Falls; Binghamton Campus: Silviu C. Marica, M.D., Guthrie Clinic, Sayre, PA

President’s Award for Distinguished Service: Zahi N. Makhuli, M.D., Department of Urology

President’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropic Service, Corporate: PepsiCo

President’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropic Service, Individual: John and Karen Hartnett

Academy of Upstate Educators: Richard M. Cantor, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics; Andreas H. Meier, M.D., M.Ed., Department of Surgery; Paul Y. Ko, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine

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