Upstate Medical University will recognize nearly two dozen individuals for exemplary service at its Fall Faculty Convocation, to be Sept. 18 in the Medical Alumni Auditorium in Weiskotten Hall. The university community is invited to attend.

Awards will recognize individuals in numerous categories, from Professional Service and Voluntary Faculty to Research and Diversity. Two awards will honor a company and individual for Philanthropic Service.

“We are delighted to celebrate the accomplishments of people who are in the right place, doing the right job, for the right reasons,” said Upstate President Mantosh Dewan, MD.  “Their dedication and enthusiasm make our mission relevant to all we serve. This is further enhanced by our dedication to our mission, as well as our vision: united in expertise, compassion and hope to create a healthier world for all.”

 Three faculty members will be honored for achieving SUNY Distinguished Faculty honors, the highest faculty rank in the SUNY system. The SUNY Board of Trustees appoints distinguished faculty ranks. They are:

William Brunken, PhD, Distinguished Professor

Brunken, professor and vice chair for research in ophthalmology and visual sciences and professor of neuroscience and physiology, is a highly accomplished vision researcher. His research in the field of retinal development and degeneration focuses on the roles of the extracellular matrix and laminins in neurodegenerative eye disease, and more broadly in neuronal development.

Roberto Izquierdo, MD, Distinguished Service Professor

Izquierdo, professor of medicine and pediatrics, serves as chief of pediatric endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and medical director of the Pediatric Diabetes Program. Board-certified in medicine, pediatrics, and adult and pediatric endocrinology, Izquierdo has expanded Upstate’s Pediatric Diabetes Program, caring for more than 1,600 children across 20 counties throughout the region.

Kenneth Mann, PhD, Distinguished Professor

Mann, PhD, professor of orthopedic surgery and director of Upstate’s Musculoskeletal Science Research Center, is a world expert in joint replacement implant fixation and orthopedic biomechanics. His research has contributed significantly to the understanding of the mechanics of joints, joint implants, cement, and their interfaces, and has had a significant translational impact on the clinical practice of total knee and hip replacements.

Below is a complete listing of award winners.

President's Award for Excellence in Philanthropic Service, Individual: Michael T. Smith. Jeeps at the Beach

President's Award for Excellence in Philanthropic Service, Corporate: Nascentia Health

Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service: William Caiello, Central Equipment Services

Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching: Gita Ramamurthy, MD, College of Medicine

Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service: Robert Gregory, MD, College of Medicine

Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities: Stephen Glatt, PhD, College of Medicine and College of Graduate Studies

President's Award for Excellence in Voluntary Faculty: Carl A. Weiss, III, MD, PhD, FACS, College of Health Professions; Megan Campbell, DO, College of Medicine, Syracuse Campus; Santosh Mukka, MD, College of Medicine, Binghamton Campus

President's Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dominick DeMichele, MSEd, College of Health Professions; Jennifer Campoli, DO, College of Medicine; Liliane S. El-Kassis, MD, College of Medicine

President's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service: Harvir Gambhir, MD, College of Medicine; Jana Shaw, MD, MPH, MS, FPIDS, FAAP, College of Medicine

President's Award for Advancement of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Trina, Northardt, RN, BSN, Emergency Medicine

President's Award for Excellence in Basic Research by a Young Investigator: Samuel Herberg, PhD, College of Medicine and College of Graduate Studies.

President's Award for Excellence in Clinical or Translational Research by a Young Investigator: David Auerbach, PhD, College of Medicine and College of Graduate Studies

President's Award for Excellence in Leadership in Research & Scholarship: Joseph Domachowske, MD, College of Medicine and College of Graduate Studies; Chunyu Liu, PhD, College of Medicine and College of Graduate Studies

President's Award for Excellence in Philanthropic Service, Individual: Michael T. Smith. Smith created the fundraiser, Jeeps at the Beach, an all-Jeep show to benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The event, first held in 2012, supports the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital annual fund, Golisano Center for Special Needs, the Upstate Foundation’s campaign for child and adolescent mental health, and the Jeeps at the Beach for the Kids Fund created to help pediatric patients and families.

President's Award for Excellence in Philanthropic Service, Corporate: Nascentia Health. A home and community-based care system, Nascienta Health has been a steadfast supporter of the Upstate Foundation for more than three decades, offering support this year to the Upstate Open, Upstate Towsley Pro-Am, Gala, College of Health Professions Alumni Association, and the child and adolescent mental health campaign.

Academy of Upstate Educators: Nayla Khoury, MD, College of Medicine; Nevena Radonjic, MD, PhD, College of Medicine; Karna Sura, MD, College of Medicine