Samson College of Health Sciences was officially branded with a new moniker as the University dedicated the College in the name of Marvin Samson on November 11. In the company of family and friends as well as the faculty, staff, and students of the school, Samson was taken aback by the honor bestowed upon him.
(photo, left to right: Samson College Dean Dr. Laurie Sherwen, Chairman of the Board Delbert S. Payne, Marvin Samson, and University President Dr. Philip P. Gerbino)
“This is the American dream, and we must keep that dream alive by using some of the fruits of our successes to train the leaders of tomorrow,” Samson said.
The University’s board of trustees approved the name change in June 2008 to honor Samson, a longtime friend, honorary alumnus, and trustee. The already established school is one of the five colleges comprising the University, and it provides students with training and career options in occupational therapy and physical therapy, plus exercise science and wellness management, health science, medical technology, and physician assistant studies.
In his remarks, Samson focused on the importance of the training the College provides: “Fixing the healthcare system is a monumental task for those with much more insight than I, but I am convinced that the College of Health Sciences will play a major role in the solution as we train students to become a part of a patient-centered healthcare team.
A world-renowned leader in injectable manufacturing and delivery systems, Samson is founder and chief executive officer of Samson Medical Technologies, LLC, a company specializing in injectable drug delivery systems and programs for hospital and alternate site pharmacists. A native of Philadelphia, Samson turned a self-proclaimed love of pharmacy and a tribute to a mentor into support for the University.
“The more involved I became, the more I saw pharmacy in the context of the healthcare continuum,” Samson said. “We all recognize that lifestyle plays a critical role in health. However, in the past, our system has only given lip service to wellness.
“Through the curriculum addressed at the College of Health Sciences, we at [the University] have a remarkable opportunity to prepare professionals to impact the way people live, working with them on promoting healthy lifestyles, and to provide easily accessible and cost effective services and support.”
During the ceremony, which was also highlighted by remarks from University President Dr. Philip P. Gerbino, Chairman of the Board Delbert S. Payne, and Samson College Dean Dr. Laurie Sherwen, the University unveiled a sign which will be hung in Woodland Hall to commemorate the dedication. Also in attendance to support Samson were the namesakes for Misher College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Allen Misher, and Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy, Dr. Kathleen Mayes.