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Upstate Announcements

Upstate Announcements is a weekly bulletin listing the events for that week at Upstate.

To submit an item to Upstate Announcements

Upstate Announcements is compiled and edited by Public and Media Relations. Attachments are not accepted. For your item to be included, send in each week you would like it appear. Items will not run more than three consecutive editions. All items will be edited. To submit an item, send details in plain text within the body of an email to [email protected].

The latest announcements are from May 13, 2025:

 

 

This is National Hospital Week

The theme for this year’s National Hospital Week is Symphony of Compassionate Care. Today through May 16, we recognize the dedication, compassion, and teamwork that make Upstate exceptional. Giveaways, contests, and wellness events are scheduled throughout the week. To view the full schedule of events, visit: www.upstate.edu/hospitalweek.

National Hospital Week Snack Distribution will take place May 15 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by the cafeterias at Upstate University Hospital and at Community to enjoy a selection of ice cream, cookies, and fruit. Snacks for off-site locations will be delivered throughout the week.

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Vote for Upstate students seeking seats on the ISA board

Upstate students are running for seats on the Upstate chapter of the International Students’ Association executive board. Voting ends May 14. To cast a vote, visit: https://forms.gle/jL6qMzh8CiPiobui8. Questions? Email Srijan Bhattacharya at [email protected].

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Nellie Hurley Scholarship applications sought

Nellie Hurley Scholarship applications for Fall 2025 undergraduate studies are now being accepted by the Advocates for Upstate. Awards will be announced in July. Active Upstate employees and volunteers on all campuses can apply. Scholarships are for studies in health-related fields. For eligibility criteria and an application, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/advocates/grants-scholarships/scholarships.php. For more information, email Jonathan Adler at [email protected].

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May is Lupus Awareness Month

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect several parts of the body, but many are unaware of its existence or the impact it has on individuals and families. In addition to Upstate’s Lupus and Autoimmune Center of Excellence (LACE), researcher Iwona Koenig, PhD, of Microbiology and Immunology, focuses her research on lupus. For information on lupus awareness walks in the area, email Iwona Koenig, PhD, Microbiology and Immunology at [email protected]. For more about Upstate LACE, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/rheumatology/research/lace.php.

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Graduation for Upstate chaplain interns is May 13

The Upstate community is invited to a graduation for Upstate chaplain interns today, May 13 at noon in the Interfaith Chapel on the first floor of Upstate University Hospital. Completing requirements for one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education this semester are Deacon Tom Cuskey (assigned to 2N and 7A), Tina Dillman (assigned to 5A and 5B), Pastor Ralph Featherstone (assigned to 9E/F/G) and Father Vincent Oguejiofor (assigned to 10E/G/H). Light refreshments and time to congratulate Spiritual Care interns will be immediately after the brief service. Questions? Email Rev. Terry Culbertson at [email protected].

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Retirement celebration for Health Professions staff is May 13

Upstate’s College of Health Professions will host a retirement celebration to honor the work and contributions of four staff members today, May 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. in 4414 B/C Academic Building. R.S.V.P. by May 1 to [email protected]. 

  • Sandra Banas, MST, PA-C, associate professor and department chair of Physician Assistant Studies, retires after more than 16 years of service.
  • L. Thomas Wolff, MD, distinguished teaching professor and medical director for Physician Assistant Studies, retires after 52 years of service.
  • Dominick DeMichele, M.S.Ed., R.T.(R)(CT), clinical assistant professor of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences, retires after 10 years of service to Upstate and 43 in medical imaging.
  • Erin Wentz, PT, PhD, PCS, associate professor of Physical Therapy Education, retires after more than eight years of service.

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Deadline to win tickets to Upstate Night at Mets game is May 14

Upstate Medical University Night at NBT Bank Stadium will be held Friday, May 16. Gates open at 5:30 and first pitch is at 6:35 PM. Fireworks will take place following the game. To enter a random drawing to win tickets, email [email protected] and include the number of tickets you would like. Deadline to enter is Wednesday, May 14, at 5 p.m. Winners will be notified by email.

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Hospital Week Wellness Wednesday is May 14

Join Upstate Well, the Employee Assistance Program, Pet a Pooch, and Wellness Speaks May 14 in celebration of Hospital Week. Questions? Email [email protected]. The schedule is as follows:

  • 8 to 8:15 a.m. virtual mindfulness meditation session 1: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=md3d9ac6af757af1e2b7196479b61c64f (Meeting number: 2318 069 0674 Password: 735xAFPax69).
  • 9 to 10:30 a.m. wellness table outside Café 750, second floor of Upstate University Hospital. Employee Assistance Program will offer information on mental health awareness and Upstate Well will offer information on wellness resources for staff.
  • 10 to 10:10 a.m. Wellness Speaks with music therapist Clare Arezina Wiemann who will speak on the music and wellness connection. Register here: https://upstate.webex.com/weblink/register/r71173611bfdb5e200811d09ca5a454d9.
  • 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pet a Pooch on the second floor of Nappi Wellness Institute. Destress and relax with our pet therapy teams dedicated to employee wellness. No registration required.
  • Noon to 12:15 p.m. virtual mindfulness meditation session 2: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=mfab13f3bc2c9f950689e9e68de9de86e (Meeting number: 2306 886 1173 Password: kbJnNv3eq27).
  • 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pet a Pooch outside the cafeteria at Community. Destress and relax with our pet therapy teams dedicated to employee wellness. No registration required.

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Retirement reception for Jennifer Gilhooley is May 14

A retirement reception for Jennifer Gilhooley will be held May 14 at 1 p.m. in the Atrium of the KPH building. Gilhooley retires after 30 years of service in Human Resources Employee Labor Relations at Upstate. The Upstate community is welcome. For more information, email Christine Villi at [email protected]. 

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Upstate participates in CSEA Local 615 Employee Appreciation Days May 14 and 15

Upstate Human Resources, Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and more will participate in the CSEA Local 615 Employee Appreciation Day May 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Room at Community and May 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Campus Activities Building on Elizabeth Blackwell Street. Questions? Email Ali Cottrell at  [email protected].

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Virtual nurse to assist with admissions beginning May 15

Beginning May 15, an Upstate nurse located at the Throughput Operations Center will assist with virtual admissions to inpatient units from Upstate Emergency Departments Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Nursing education on this process is now available in Brightspace. Questions? Email Margie Greenfield at [email protected].

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White Coat Rock is May 15

Upstate’s own powerhouse band, The Spinal Chords, featuring Drs. Larry Chin and Mike Vertino, and talented students from the College of Medicine will serve as the opening act for this fundraising concert Thursday, May 15. Doors open at 7 p.m., concert starts at 8 p.m., with presale tickets at $15 with tickets available at the door for $20. CNY Favorite, Jam Theory, will follow to close out the night. Proceeds support scholarships for the next generation of healthcare heroes. Purchase now through the Funk 'n Waffles event page.

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Upstate Cancer Retreat is May 15 and 16

Registration is open for Upstate Cancer Research Week and Annual Retreat. The Annual Retreat will be held May 16 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at CNY Biotech Accelerator. The new Trainee Symposium will be held May 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. in 4414 B/C Academic Building. The events will bring together basic scientists, physician scientists, clinicians, and trainees to share the latest in cancer research advancements at Upstate. To register for the retreat, the symposium or both, visit: https://redcap.upstate.edu/surveys/?s=LJX7FW4KXRDN9DMF. For more information on the events, agendas, and a list of speakers, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/cancer/research/retreat/. Questions? Email [email protected].

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On My Own Time art submissions due May 16

On My Own Time artwork submissions for the Upstate Health Sciences Library display are due May 16. Several pieces will be selected for an exhibit at the Everson Museum of Art this fall. To register, complete the registration form by May 16, here: https://forms.office.com/r/msyBsuSrfF. Questions can be directed to Laura Benjamin at [email protected].

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Yoga retreat is May 16 and 17

Upstate will host a yoga retreat Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Those with a valid Upstate ID may register here: Yoga Retreat. Registration is required in advance, as space is limited. 10 continuing education credits toward yoga certification will be available to participants and all participants will receive a certificate of completion. Questions? Email Nayla Khoury at [email protected]. Rebecca Alexander Carey, PT, DPT, E-RYT/YACEP, Integrative Medicine at Upstate, and Nayla Khoury, MD, RYT, Upstate Psychiatry, will host the free two-day yoga workshop. The event is designed to offer wellness strategies for health care staff to support personal self-care and help foster healthy interactions with patients and colleagues. The goal is to improve mindfulness and compassion while reducing burnout and fatigue. 

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College of Health Professions research conference abstracts submissions due May 19

Upstate’s College of Health Professions will host its third annual research conference Monday, June 2 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. in 4414 B/C Academic Building. Application of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare will highlight the use of AI in education and research. All faculty, students, and research collaborators are encouraged to participate. An award will be presented for best project or abstract. To submit, abstracts should be no more than 300 words and in PDF or Word format. Include title, authors, affiliations. Submit to [email protected] or [email protected] by May 19. Posters will be displayed during the conference and authors will have the opportunity to present their work and engage with attendees. For the list of speakers and to register: https://www.upstate.edu/chp/about/news/chp-research-conference-2025.php. Questions? Email Christina Dickerson at [email protected].

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Cardiology Grand Rounds is May 20

Cardiology Grand Rounds will be held Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 a.m. in 0103 Weiskotten Hall and via WebEx. Lorenzo Azzalini, MD, PhD, director of Interventional Cardiology Research at University of Washington, Seattle will present Critical Appraisal of the Rationale for CTO PCI. To join virtually, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=meb040e50ff42b096a05d7fb13c2091bd (Meeting number 2316 419 1378 Password Cardiology1). The Upstate community is welcome. CME is available for this session. For more information, email Lisa Carroll at [email protected]. 

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CNY Biotech Accelerator virtual presentation is May 20

Kurt M. D’Angelo, vice president, Northern Complex, Equitable Advisors will present Business Development Stages: What to Expect at Each Stage will be held May 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. via Zoom. The speaker will discuss the startup company timeline to include Stages 01 through 05—development, product/service, sales/scaling, rapid growth, and maturity/exit strategy. To join, visit: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMoc-iqrDMsGNzWXQ927roVA_Pgc3oUOXTn. Questions? Email Kathi Durdon at [email protected].

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Registration for Syracuse Workforce Run due May 20 

The Syracuse Workforce Run will be held Thursday, June 10 at 6:45 p.m. on Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool. Registration is $43. To join Team Upstate, review race details, and read eligibility requirements, visit: https://calendar.upstate.edu/event/syrrun/. The registration deadline for Team Upstate is May 20. Questions? Email Rebecca Pesci at [email protected].

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Healthcare Technology Management Week events are May 21 and 22

Upstate’s Healthcare Technology Management department (previously called Clinical Engineering) will host information tables Wednesday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Café 750 on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital and again Thursday, May 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the cafeteria at Community. The Upstate community is welcome. The Healthcare Technology Management name has been updated from Clinical Engineering to reflect a wider range of responsibilities, including technology life cycle planning, budgeting, acquisition, device integration, and medical device Cybersecurity risk management. The name change reflects a broader and more strategic approach to managing healthcare technology. Healthcare Technology Management remains part of Information Management and Technology.

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Stop the Bleed is May 22, June 25

Upstate Trauma will offer free Stop the Bleed courses at HealthLink, 6333 NY-298, E. Syracuse. The schedule is as follows:

All courses are free and open to the public. Licensed staff interested in becoming instructors, email [email protected] to begin the process. Interested staff must have attended and completed a Stop the Bleed course to instruct. Questions? Email [email protected]. 

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Joey’s Wish walk is June 22

Joey’s Wish third annual walk to raise funds supporting addiction research will be held June 22 from 9 a.m. to noon in the annex pavilion in the upper lot of Marcellus Park (2443 Platt Rd.). Registration is $20. Participants will receive a shirt, if registered by June 1. Breakfast will be provided at the event.  To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joeys-wish-3rd-annual-walk-tickets-1250282792489?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios. Once registered, email shirt size to [email protected]. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Joey’s Wish Fund held at the Upstate Foundation. Questions? Email Ann Morrell at [email protected].

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Upstate Mammography Van hosts events for the Upstate community in July

The Upstate Mammography Van will host two clinics for Upstate staff, volunteers, and family members. To request an appointment for one of the Upstate clinics, visit: www.upstate.edu/noexcuses or call 315-464-2588 and select option 3. Questions? Email Wendy Hunt at [email protected]. The schedule is as follows:

  • July 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Telergy Building, 6333 State Rt. 298, E. Syracuse. This clinic is open to all building tenants and the Upstate community.
  • July 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Campus Activities Building on Elizabeth Blackwell Street. This clinic is open to the Upstate community and family members only.

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Upstate Well announcements

The Champions of Wellness Virtual Conference—The Power of Leadership: Shaping Wellness In Medicine—will be held today, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn how to lead with impact, build a culture of support, stay grounded under pressure, and create lasting change in clinician well-being without sacrificing your own. To join: https://www.championsofwellness.com/event/virtual-conference-the-power-of-leadership-shaping-wellness-in-medicine/?mc_cid=b4bec0bcff&mc_eid=24bf4a2667#register.

Yoga retreat is May 16 and 17. Upstate will host a yoga retreat Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Those with a valid Upstate ID may register here: Yoga Retreat. Registration is required in advance, as space is limited. 10 continuing education credits toward yoga certification will be available to participants and all participants will receive a certificate of completion. Questions? Email Nayla Khoury at [email protected]. Rebecca Alexander Carey, PT, DPT, E-RYT/YACEP, Integrative Medicine at Upstate, and Nayla Khoury, MD, RYT, Upstate Psychiatry, will host the free two-day yoga workshop. The event is designed to offer wellness strategies for health care staff to support personal self-care and help foster healthy interactions with patients and colleagues. The goal is to improve mindfulness and compassion while reducing burnout and fatigue. 

OneUp features an Upstate Well community. Upcoming stories in May include Hospital Week Wellness Wednesday and, to spotlight Mental Health Awareness month, these Upstate resources: Lauren Angelone, Staff Wellness Support Social Worker, EAP and Workplace Violence teams and more! To view, log on to OneUp.

Tranquility Tuesday will be held every Tuesday from 12:30 to 12:45 p.m. on the second floor of Nappi Wellness Institute or virtually via WebEx. To join the virtual option, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m4cf0ace0b87237183612a0b6496ca516 (Meeting ID: 2305 438 7566, Password: jyYW3FriJ74). Each session is a unique meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation practice experience. Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Yoga for All is open to all Upstate staff and no experience is necessary. For more information on yoga and to receive the link for virtual-only yoga dates, email [email protected]. For Teams yoga options noted below, use Meeting ID: 235 863 538 811, Passcode: VL3YM9C9. The schedule is as follows: 

  • May 14 from 6:10 to 6:40 a.m., Community Room at Community
  • May 21 from 6:10 to 6:40 a.m., Classroom A/B at Community
  • May 28 from 6:10 to 6:40 a.m., Community Room at Community
  • May 28 from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m., Community Room at Community

For more on Upstate Well resources, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/wellness/.  For information about 4-KARE, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/wellness/intra/4-kare/.  

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Upstate fundraisers and apparel sales

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Community fundraisers for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital

  • Celebrate the opening of the new 7 Brew located at 3906 Brewerton Road, North Syracuse. Pay what you want for a small drink and proceeds from Giveback Days benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Giveback Days are Friday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit: https://www.upstatefoundation.org/shopandgive.
  • Join us in welcoming our newest Credit Union for Kids partner, Auburn Community Federal Credit Union. Throughout the month of May, Auburn Community FCU is selling Children’s Miracle Network Hospital balloons at their Auburn, Weedsport, and Liverpool locations. Donations to benefit children and families at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit https://www.upstatefoundation.org/shopandgive.
  • 29th annual Paige’s Butterfly Run will be held Saturday, June 7. Held in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse, Paige’s Butterfly Run brings runners and walkers from across Central New York to downtown Syracuse each year to participate in one of the region’s premier 5K races. Proceeds from the event benefit the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. For more information and to register, visit https://pbrun.org/events/run/.
  • Donate at the register at your neighborhood Circle K to help sick and injured children at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit https://www.upstatefoundation.org/shopandgive.
  • Costco’s May fundraising campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is in full swing. Throughout the month of May, Costco employees, members, and suppliers are joining forces to raise critical funds for local children Cared for at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital by encouraging donations at every cash register and selling extra-large fabric grocery tote bags. Miracle children and their families will be handing out donation balloons every weekend in May. Costco is located at 120 Township Blvd, Camillus.
  • Ollies Bargain Outlet, with seven locations in CNY, run their Children's Miracle Network fundraising campaign May 18 to June 14. A 15-year CMN partner, Ollies is passionate regarding their involvement in collecting donations at each cash register to benefit kids cared for at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. CNY locations are: Auburn, Cicero, Cortland, Dewitt, Johnson City, Oswego, Rome. Ollies is America's largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory.

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Hope Café now offers free delivery to Upstate University Hospital

Hope Café, located on the first floor of the Academic Building and on the ninth floor of Weiskotten Hall, now offer free delivery once each day to the main lobby of Upstate University Hospital. Meals should be ordered before 11:40 a.m. each day for delivery at 11:55 a.m. The once-daily bulk delivery of orders will be available near the security checkpoint. To order from the daily menu or to choose the meal of the day, visit: https://hopecafeny.square.site. Customers are also welcome to order ahead for pick up or dine-in Monday through Friday before 2 p.m. Questions? Email Eric Adams at [email protected].

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Advocates for Upstate hold online fundraiser 

An online fundraiser for the Advocates for Upstate offers a chance to win a gift basket worth more than $300. Proceeds benefit Advocates’ scholarship programs for Upstate staff and volunteers. The basket includes a Syracuse Mets Family Fun ticket package, a New York State Parks Empire Pass, and a variety of gift cards. Each donation of $10 offers three chances to win. The winner will be drawn at the Advocates for Upstate Annual Luncheon, to be held May 22. Winner does not need to be present to win. For more, visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/3dd33d50-ec55-4abe-937a-06312b396d58. Questions? Email Jonathan Adler at [email protected].

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Global Health clinical trials seek participants

Pfizer Flu/COVID Combo Study: The Upstate Global Health Institute seeks healthy participants ages 65 and older to help advance research for an investigational COVID-19 and flu combination vaccine. The clinical trial will last approximately six months, during which participants will be asked to attend at least four study visits. Those who have not received a COVID-19 or flu vaccine in the past five months and have not tested positive for influenza in the last six months, contact [email protected] or 315-464-9869.

Remote Covid Study: Participants 18 years of age or older who have received a Covid vaccine in the last 14 days or are willing to receive an approved Covid vaccine are eligible. Participants must be able to use devices to collect samples such as blood, nasal fluid and saliva. All participants will have samples collected for a duration of one year and will be asked to wear a smartwatch-like device for a minimum of 20 hours per day, including while sleeping. For more information, email [email protected] or 315-464-9869.

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The Informed Patient podcast

The Informed Patient podcast recently featured interviews with Upstate experts about stroke treatment, xenotransplantation and challenges presented by immigration enforcement at hospitals.

For more on The Informed Patient, visit: www.upstate.edu/informed.

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