On May 31, MSUCOM awarded the Walter F. Patenge Medal of Public Service to four individuals.  This year’s recipients were:  Joseph Balog, DO (posthumously), Paul LaCasse, DO, Dennis Paradis, MPH, and Congressman Joe Schwarz, MD.  Since 1971, the college has recognized 116 individuals with this prestigious award, which is presented for osteopathic medical practice exemplifying the best tradition of family medicine; for osteopathic hospital administration exemplifying the best tradition of humane, concerned administration and public involvement; and for public policy leadership exemplifying the best tradition of democratic concern for the public good and public welfare.


Sandy Holliday, Educational Program Coordinator in the Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, received the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award, the highest award presented by Michigan State University to recognize support staff excellence.


Jed Magen, DO, MS, Chairperson and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, was elected as the President-Elect of the Michigan Psychiatric Society.


The 2006 MSUCOM Hooding and Commencement ceremony was held on May 4.  Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Public Health, delivered the keynote address to the new class of graduates.


The MSUCOM Statewide Campus System underwent a comprehensive OPTI accreditation site visit on May 24-25, 2006.  While the decision on the number of years of continuing approval will be made later this year, the AOA site visit team gave SCS several commendations for its educational activities at the exit conference.  


MSUCOM was well represented at the annual convention of the Michigan Osteopathic Association.  In addition to the college booth, a Student Day was held for first and second year students, Campus Day was hosted for 3^rd and 4^th year students, and a poolside reception was held for alumni and friends of MSUCOM.


Susan Sevensma, DO, MSUCOM Class of 1982 and Clinical Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine, was elected as President-Elect of the Michigan Osteopathic Association. 


Kurt Anderson, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine, Edward Canfield, DO, MSUCOM Class of 1988 and Clinical Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine, and Michael Weiss, DO MSUCOM Class of 1978 and Clinical Assistant Professor of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties, were elected to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Osteopathic Association.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 21-24, 2006, AACOM Annual Meeting, Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore.
Friday, June 30, 2006, 2:00 pm, Convocation Ceremony, Wharton Center.
July 28, 2006, MSUCOM reception in conjunction with the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians symposium at the Hagerty Center, Traverse City.
Friday, September 15, 2006, 8^th Annual Osteopathic Open golf outing, Eagle Eye Golf Course.

September 22-23, 2006, Silverfest Weekend – reunion reception, CME, pre-game tailgate, and MSU vs. Notre Dame football game.