GSBS Convocation Invites Alum Back To Campus
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UT Health San Antonio was pleased to invite our very own alumnus Jeffrey Klinger, Ph.D., to deliver the convocation address.
Dr. Klinger received his Ph.D. from our Microbiology Department in 1978 and initially went into academia and was a faculty member at Case Western Reserve University. He later transitioned to industry where he served in leadership roles at a variety of companies including Vice-President of R&D at Genzyme from 2002-2008.
During his talk, Dr. Klinger explained that there are very few “sure” events including convocation, qualifying exams, defenses and presentations; however a lot of his career options were not positions that he had planned.
“Change is about the only thing you can count on,” he said. “Embrace it, develop skills to adapt. This Graduate School has been, and will continue to be, leaders in development of versatile, change-oriented, …change-creating graduates.”
During the ceremony, we also announced winners of the Armand J. Guarino Awards for Excellence in Doctoral and Master’s Studies along with three new student awards.
Armand Guarino Award for Academic Excellence in Masters Studies: Michael Nipper
Michael Nipper just graduated from the Masters of Science in Cell Systems and Anatomy program and his mentor was Dr. Pei Wang.
Armand Guarino Award for Academic Excellence in Doctoral Studies: Dr. Valentina Garbarino
Dr. Valentina Garbarino graduated from the Physiology and Pharmacology Discipline of the Integrated Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program and her co-mentors were Drs. Lynette Daws and Georgianna Gould.
Joe Robles Graduate Student Leadership Award: Jodie Gray
Jodie Gray is a student in the Radiological Sciences doctoral program and her mentor is Peter Fox, MD.
Heather Menzie Junior Graduate Student of the Year Award: Allison Hester
Allison Hester is a student in the Molecular Immunology & Microbiology discipline of the Integrated Biomedical Sciences program and her mentor is Dr. Ann Griffith.
GSBS Senior Student of the Year Award: Sergio Cepeda
Sergio Cepeda is a student in the Molecular Immunology & Microbiology discipline of the Integrated Biomedical Sciences program and his mentor is Dr. Ann Griffith.
Following Dr. Klinger’s talk and presentation of awards, everyone came to the picnic for some awesome burgers and fries catered by Cheesy Jane’s food truck, paletas and great music!