In his annual Convocation address on Thursday, Sept. 12, Chancellor Michael F. Collins celebrated the accomplishments of the UMass Chan Medical School community and kicked off the new academic year with a rallying cry of “We are not done yet!” He called for continued teamwork, collaboration and encouragement among students, faculty and staff to fulfill the Medical School’s mission.
Chancellor Collins said the collaborative work at UMass Chan is similar to running a marathon, noting the same motivation and inspiration traded between runners to complete a race takes place here as the community advances the education, research, sustainability, philanthropy and the social mission goals of advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
“In our work, there is no finish line, only new starting points. Let us begin this academic year by rounding the corner, arm in arm, and let us commit together to racing to our most ambitious future. There is much to accomplish,” Collins said.
The chancellor listed the largest graduate school classes in UMass Chan’s history; the creation of a new regional campus, UMass Chan-Lahey; the enrollment of 32 medical students in the LEAD@Lahey track in its first year; and the opening of the new education and research building, as just some of the momentous achievements that will carry UMass Chan beyond the goals included in the Impact 2025 strategic plan.
Collins said a stewardship group of faculty and learners will be established early next year, to “chart a new starting point for our medical school.”
“Into the future, we must continue to invest in all the ways that uniquely position us to advance the health and well-being of our diverse communities,” he said. “Our profile is rising. The future is bright. We are all so fortunate to be part of the collaborative community that is UMass Chan. We have a great story and will continue to tell it. Ours is a marathon and we are not done yet!”
A highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the 2024 recipients of the Chancellor’s Medals for excellence in teaching, scholarship, service and clinical excellence.
Mary Callery O’Brien, MD, associate professor of medicine, received the Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Teaching. Dr. Callery O’Brien was invited to present the 2025 Last Lecture, a celebration of teaching, and received the Manning Prize, a $10,000 award established by former UMass Board Chair Robert Manning and his wife, Donna Manning, both of whom are UMass alums.
“Dr. Callery O’Brien, your span of learners extends from the first year of medical school, throughout graduate education and into the ranks of the faculty. You are known as a powerful role model of how learners and faculty can choose new roles that facilitate perennial growth and improvement,” Collins said.
Craig L. Peterson, PhD, vice chair and professor of molecular medicine, received the Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Scholarship.
Collins said Dr. Peterson’s record comprises extraordinary scientific accomplishment, namely the groundbreaking work on chromatin remodeling enzymes and biophysics of chromatin fibers that has laid the foundation for the international field of chromatin biology, with major implications for understanding of the role of chromatin in gene regulation, genome stability and cancer.
Peterson will present the plenary lecture at this fall’s research retreat.
The Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Clinical Excellence was presented to Erik Garcia, MD, associate professor of family medicine & community health. Dr. Garcia is invited to lead the first-year class in the recitation of the Oath of Maimonides at the 2025 White Coat Ceremony.
Citing the work Garcia does as medical director of the Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Program and as a clinician for Worcester Healthcare for the Homeless, Collins said, “You have brought great honor to our profession through your steadfast commitment to so many in need of health care and more.”
The Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Service was awarded to Jean Frazier, MD, the Robert M. and Shirley S. Siff Chair in Autism, professor of psychiatry, and executive director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center.
Jean Frazier, MD, carries the Medical School’s ceremonial mace at the conclusion of the Convocation and Investiture celebration.
Dr. Frazier is invited to carry the Medical School’s ceremonial mace at events throughout the academic year.
Collins said, “Dr. Frazier is an extraordinary leader who has placed her heart and soul in service to the institution. A leader at state and national levels, Collins said she believes in the power of teamwork, is committed to those who are the most vulnerable in society, and has fostered the careers of multiple learners and faculty.”
The following faculty members were honored and invested as endowed professors:
Daryl A. Bosco, PhD, professor of neurology and biochemistry & molecular biotechnology and associate vice chair of research for the Department of Neurology, was invested as the Paul J. DiMare Chair in Neurodegenerative Disease.
Kevin Donahue, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, was invested as the David J. and Barbara D. Milliken Professor of Preventive Cardiology
Dale L. Greiner, PhD, professor of molecular medicine and co-director of the Diabetes Center of Excellence, was invested as the Herman G. Berkman Chair in Diabetes Care Innovation.
John E. Harris, MD, PhD’05, chair and professor of dermatology, was invested as the Lambi and Sarah Adams Chair in Genetic Research.
Elinor K. Karlsson, PhD, associate professor of molecular medicine, was invested as the Dr. Eileen L. Berman and Stanley I. Berman Foundation Chair in Biomedical Research.
Danny G. Winder, PhD, chair and professor of neurobiology, was invested as the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair I.
Jeannette M. Wolfe, MD, professor of emergency medicine, was invested into the Joy McCann Professorship for Women in Medicine.
