On May 9, MWU celebrated the achievements and anniversaries of our faculty and staff at the Annual Recognition Dinner. Held at the Esplanade Lakes by Doubletree, the evening included a cozy reception where long-time colleagues and new friends chatted and mingled; a delicious dinner of prime rib, Chilean seabass, or brie ravioli; and a lively awards program hosted by Dr. G and emceed by Dr. D.

This event is held on both campuses on the same day as a Board of Trustees meeting (May in Downers Grove and September in Glendale). Faculty and staff who are celebrating an anniversary (this year was from 5 years to 55 years!) are recognized with a gift and a plaque. Faculty who receive promotions in academic rank and who achieve tenure are formally acknowledged and congratulated by the Board of Trustees. Dr. G also presents the prestigious Littlejohn Awards. This year she also gave special awards to the participants in the University's Higher Learning Commission accreditation review. Nearly 100 faculty and staff from both campuses participated and their work resulted in MWU receiving the full 10 years of reaccreditation from the regional accrediting group.


Photo: Event planners and party gals Jessica, Dana, and Abena

This year's award highlights included Dr. George Caleel, who received his 55 Year Award. Dr. Caleel is a 1955 graduate of CCOM, who actually began teaching at the school in 1953. He came to medical school after already earning his pharmacy degree, so for two years he taught pharmacology to the first- and second-year students. Dr. Caleel is truly a legend at CCOM, having served in many clinical positions over the years in Internal Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, and Endocrinology. He is now the Vice President for Clinical Education, serving both CCOM and AZCOM. Dr. Caleel is beloved by generations of alumni, and I consider him our own rock star. He is a great friend and supporter of the University, and we are blessed to have him.

The Littlejohn Awards are the highest honor that Dr. G presents each year to one alumnus, one faculty member, and one staff member. The awards are named after the Littlejohn brothers, who were the founders of the school in 1900. This year, as every year, the awards went to three deserving individuals. The Littlejohn Alumni was Robert Magliocco, D.O., who graduated from CCOM in 1949. Dr. Magliocco practiced for many years in Wisconsin and served on the CCOM Alumni Association Board of Governors. For the past 15 years or so, he has hand-crafted walnut nameplates for every graduating student of CCOM. These beautiful pieces are presented to the graduates as a gift from the Alumni Association. Dr. Magliocco was also instrumental in securing scholarship support from the Lakeview Foundation, which has provided five $5,000 scholarships to CCOM students from Wisconsin over the last several years. Dr. Magliocco is a wonderful example of a CCOM alumnus who tirelessly gives back to his alma mater and works to make sure more young people are able to follow in his footsteps. His very gracious acceptance speech recognized his family and his commitment to CCOM.

The Littlejohn Faculty Award went to Dr. Sid Andurkar, who is Chair and Associate Professor of Pharmacology at CCP. Dr. Andurkar was able to overcome a personal tragedy in his life and has been a dedicated faculty member and researcher in our college of pharmacy. He is a wonderful example to all of us of someone who is committed to his students and his research projects. The Littlejohn Staff Award was presented to Barb LeBreton, who is the Manager of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Ms. LeBreton has also faced adversity, when her friend and colleague of 30 years passed away last year. Despite that, she continued to keep the Office of Research running smoothly and has helped to transition the new director of research at MWU. Barb gave a warm acceptance speech thanking her parents and "the Academy."

After the awards were given, guests were invited to hit the dance floor to let loose with their best dance moves. Only a few brave souls danced, but the crowd came out for the popular Electric Slide. Thank goodness the 80s are still with us! All in all, it what a great evening that celebrated the accomplishments of the MWU family. Thanks to Dana, Abena, and Jessica for all of their efforts in making sure every detail was taken care of and in promoting that delicious red velvet cake!