New scholarship is named for Susan Stearns in honor of role in community outreach

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The College of Medicine Alumni Foundation at Upstate Medical University has created an endowment fund for the Susan B. Stearns, Ph.D., Scholarship for Community Engagement to be awarded annually to a student in Upstate's College of Medicine. The scholarship honors student advisor Dr. Stearns, founder and director of the university's Office of Community Outreach and Global Health Education and associate professor of cell and developmental biology at Upstate.

The scholarship was initiated by Sarah Greenberg, Danielle Yerdon and Elizabeth Dawson, 2009 graduates of Upstate's College of Medicine; and George Blakeslee, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Upstate.

"The scholarship will recognize one student annually who demonstrates Dr. Stearns' dedication to community advocacy and engagement," said Vincent Kuss, the Foundation's executive director. "Dr. Stearns has involved Upstate students in numerous volunteer initiatives that have enhanced their academic experience at Upstate as well as the quality of life for Central New Yorkers. This scholarship recognizes her for her dedication and commitment to the students and to the people of Central New York."

Stearns founded Upstate's Office of Community Outreach and Global Health Education in 2008 to create a coordinated space for students to form initiatives, create projects and find opportunities to engage with the community. That same year and largely through her efforts, Upstate was named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll to recognize the university for its community services activities undertaken by its students.

For more information about the endowed scholarship fund or to contribute, visit www.upstate.edumed alumni or contact Vincent Kuss at 315-464-4361.

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