University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

University granted three honorary doctor of science degrees

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia officially launched the careers of the next generation of pharmacists, scientists, and healthcare professionals when the University conducted its 187th commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. In addition to granting degrees to almost 460 students, the University also bestowed three honorary doctorate of science degrees.

Honorary degree recipients included:
• Abass Alavi, MD, PhD (hon), a Professor of Radiology and Neurology at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Alavi is a very well known figure in medicine and a recognized pioneer in the field of molecular imaging.

• John A. Gans P’66, PharmD’69, the Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Pharmacists Association. Dr. Gans is an alumnus and former dean of the school of pharmacy who was the founding chairman of the Delaware Valley Regional Poison Control Program.

• Mr. Bernard Poussot, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Wyeth. Mr. Poussot oversees a global leader in prescription pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare products, and pharmaceuticals for animal health, with 2007 sales of $22 billion and approximately 50,000 employees.

In addition, Amy Kimchuk, Lecturer of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, accepted the The Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. The award, which is funded through a gift from the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, annually recognizes full-time faculty members with excellent records of teaching. Award recipients are nominated by students and selected by a committee of both students and previous faculty awardees.

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Comprising five colleges, including its new Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy, USP specializes in educating its 2,800 students for rewarding careers through its undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in pharmacy, health and related sciences, and healthcare business and health policy. Founded in 1821 as the nation’s first college of pharmacy, it is where the founders of six of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world launched their futures.