VCU news

By Linda Williams
VCU Communications and Public Relations

The 2006 Service Awards Program will hold two receptions this year. The first reception will be for five, 10, and 15-year recipients.  The reception will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Larrick Center on the MCV Campus. This year also will feature a gala reception for those award recipients with 20 or more years of service. The gala will be on Friday, Oct. 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the University Student Commons.

VCU’s Service Awards program was created in 1972 to recognize employees for their years of commitment to the institution’s teaching, research, service and patient-care mission. This annual program honors as many as 1,500 VCU and VCU Health System faculty and staff.

Recipients with five to 10 years of service receive service-award pins. Recipients with 15 or more years of service can select either a service-award pin or a gift. 

This year’s limited-edition gift was created by VCU alumnus and adjunct faculty member Jude Schlotzhauer and is available to recipients with 25 years or more of service. Schlotzhauer has created a glass platter in VCU shades of gold and black. For more information on the platter, visit the human resources Web site at http://www.hr.vcu.edu/reward/2006ServiceAwards_MilestoneGift.html. 

For a complete list of recipients go to http://www.hr.vcu.edu/reward/2006ServiceAwards.html. 

James W. Brooks - 50 years
Dr. James Brooks began his 50-year career in teaching and patient care.  In 1956, Dr. Brooks accepted an invitation to work at what was then the Medical College of Virginia for Dr. Lewis Bosher and the late Dr. David Hume. Over the years, Dr. Brooks helped create a clinical and research environment that launched many innovative developments and training in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.

Looking back over a long and distinguished career, Dr. Brooks said he appreciates his time of service to VCU and the opportunity to be part of such an exciting and rewarding profession.

When not “enlightening the minds of his students,” Dr. Brooks enjoys playing golf and relaxing at the beach.

Wilson Friend - 50 years
Mr. Friend began his career at VCU as a laboratory specialist in the Department of Biochemistry and worked with Dr. C. C. Clayton studying the effects of cancer-causing agents on rats.  His duties varied, but they included feeding, weighing and recording observational data on the animals. This project whet his appetite for scientific research and led to his involvement in several other research projects.  Early in his career, there were few employment opportunities for minorities in the scientific community.  He is proud that he achieved his goal of becoming a scientist at VCU.

Mr. Friend was significantly influenced by his department chairs and professors because they encouraged and supported him throughout his career.  “For 50 years, it has been a joy to work in an environment with positive people who recognize your contributions and support you in all of your endeavors,” he said.

In his spare time, Mr. Friend is active in his church.  He also enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, in particular, teaching them about scientific investigation.  More recently, his teachings have focused on plant life and sharing the fruits of his labor at mealtime.  He’s hoping this experience will plant the seed of scientific investigation in a future Friend generation. 

Joseph Henderson - 50 years
Joseph Henderson works in the same place he began 50 years ago:  Central Sterile Processing.  He joined VCU because he believed it offered him a chance to grow.  As he explains, the location was good, the benefits were great, and it was close to the bus line so he could get to work. 

In the early days of his career, sterilizing was done manually, with each piece of equipment washed by hand. Today, everything is disposable. He enjoys his job and knowing that his efforts help add to patient care. 

Of his years at VCU, Mr. Henderson said he “has been blessed to interact with a great group of people.” He’s been on both sides – as an employee and as a patient – and he says there’s no better place to be than VCU when you need medical care.

In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, cooking, sightseeing and shopping.

Marvin J. Allison - 45 years
Aware of VCU’s reputation as being on the “cutting-edge” of modern medicine, Dr. Marvin J. Allison began his 45 years of employment here as director of the Pathology Infectious Disease Laboratory.  Dr. Allison helped transform the Pathology Lab into a world-renown center for the study of soft human tissue and as a resource to specialists and students in many branches of medicine.

Dr. Allison completed his undergraduate degree in Pre-Medicine and Linguistics from the College of William and Mary. He received a master’s degree in physiology in 1947 from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a doctorate degree in Experimental Pathology. 

With a keen interest in infectious disease, paleopathology and diseases of ancient man, Dr. Allison has been the recipient of numerous special awards throughout his distinguished career.

Enrique Gerszten - 45 years
Dr. Gerszten started his training in a city hospital in New York. Ultimately, he transferred here because he wanted to complete his training in a medical school. 

Over the years, Dr. Gerszten has seen the hospital complex grow tremendously and the School of Medicine’s enrollment increase from 80 to 200 students.  In his current role as vice chair for Undergraduate Medical Education, he develops new innovative teaching methods.  Interacting with residents and students is a highlight of his career.

During his tenure, Dr. Gerszten calculates that he has taught about 7,000 medical students, 3,000 dental students and hundreds of residents and fellows in pathology.  He also has taught some of their children. He still enjoys playing an important role in higher education in Virginia by helping to recruit Virginians as well as out-of-state and international students.

In his spare time, he plays soccer, spends vacation time with his grandchildren and travels to remote areas of the world.

Mary W. Johnson - 45 years
Mary W. Johnson began her employment at Virginia Commonwealth University as a licensed practical nurse on the fifth surgical floor of what was then called St. Phillip Hospital. The convenience of VCU and her need for experience in “cutting-edge” medicine led Ms. Johnson to spend a distinguished, 45-year career here.

She currently works as a cast technician in the Department of Orthopedics.  Over the years, she has witnessed great changes in the medical community as VCU has transformed from white uniforms and caps to multi-colored scrubs and a diverse working environment.

In her spare time, Mary enjoys participating in church activities and helping with the Girl Scouts.  “It has been an exemplary experience for me, and I will continue to strive to the best of my ability to fulfill my obligations here at VCU,” she said.

W. Kenneth Blaylock - 40 years
Dr. Blaylock graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1958.  He was recruited from the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., to fill a full-time position as a dermatologist in the institution’s “rapidly growing” Department of Internal Medicine.  Foremost among the many changes he has witnessed during his career at VCU are the size of the medical staff, the competition among hospitals in Richmond and the intensity of the disease spectrum in the hospital.  Currently, he is an Emeritus Faculty member and continues to see patients in his VCU Health System office. 

He enjoys reading, exercise and collecting toy trains.  He credits his tenure at VCU as giving him a “marvelous education and opportunity to teach students and patients.” 

Tanga Dickerson - 40 years
Ms. Dickerson joined VCU because she wanted experience in the scientific arena.  Her career began in the summer of 1966 with a position in the Medical Records department, working the midnight shift filing patient records and looking up patient information on a “huge” rolodex.  She then transferred to the evening shift in the Micro/Immunology Laboratory while she was a student.  She was in the last graduating class at Richmond Professional Institute.   

Ms. Dickerson remembers there were no personal computers in the 1960s and 1970s.  At that time, the only computers filled small rooms and data was entered onto magnetic tapes and punch cards in batches. 

She was encouraged to continue her education throughout her career and eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to learn more.  “What started out to be a part-time job while in school turned out to be a great, flexible job during retirement.”

William Frable - 40 years
Dr. Frable was hired by Dr. Saul Kay in 1966 as assistant professor of pathology in the Division of Surgical Pathology.  Dr. Frable's many contributions to the field of pathology, specifically cytopathology, have focused on diagnosis and education, both at the microscope and podium and in the literature.  While there is virtually no topic in cytology on which Dr. Frable has not published, the difficult challenges in the area of gynecologic cytology have held his particular interest.  In this area, he has broadened the understanding of process standards and definitions of adequacy.

A born teacher, Dr. Frable is committed to education. In the era before “mentoring” was an explicitly established academic expectation, he was providing just that - sharing his expertise, showing his mistakes to prevent repetition and advocating not-yet popular methods, such as the pathologist meeting individually with the patient. 

In his spare time, Dr. Frable enjoys painting, golfing, and gardening.

Florine Howell - 40 years
Florine Howell began her employment as a clerk at then MCV Hospitals.  She advanced in her career to medical lab technician for the Pediatric Oncology Department.  Currently, she works as a lab specialist in the Randolph Minor Pediatrics Laboratory.

With patient care and compassion as her focus, Ms. Howell began purchasing preschool workbooks with her own funds to give children who came in for preschool physicals.  Her interest in increasing the literacy level of Richmond children led her to work with the Altrusa Society, an international business and professional women’s organization that focuses on literacy.  In turn, the Altrusa Society donated 500 workbooks to help benefit Richmond area children.

Ms. Howell appreciates the many opportunities she has had over the years to touch the lives of Richmond’s children.

Ella A. Jones - 40 years
Ella Jones came to VCU in 1966 looking for an opportunity for career advancement.  She worked her first job as a dietary assistant and then moved up to unit secretary for neonatal medicine in the Nursing Pediatrics Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  Over the years, Ms. Jones has seen great advances in technology and overall care of patients.

“I have enjoyed working with my supervisor and co-workers,” she said. “This is a great learning institution with many opportunities.”  She also credits the premature infants on her unit for giving her strength by touching her spiritually and emotionally.   

In her spare time, Ms. Jones enjoys volunteering, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

Robert E. O’Connor Jr. - 40 years
Bob O’Connor began his employment with VCU 40 years ago as a draftsman in the Building and Grounds Department.  Just prior to his employment, in March of 1966, he worked part-time at then Richmond Professional Institute as a student preparing small renovation projects around the campus. Currently a project manager in Construction Management, O’Connor now manages the maintenance reserve program and small renovation and repair projects. He enjoys the fast-paced projects and meeting with clients and contractors as well as working his fellow colleagues in the department and throughout the uiversity. 

In his spare time, O’Connor enjoys traveling, working around the house, visiting Civil War sites and learning the history of VCU’s facilities and grounds.

“I’ve had some marvelous experiences and made some lifelong friends,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity of working with numerous professionals, from architects to department heads.  I’ve experienced some good times and some bad times, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Helen Oliver - 40 years
Helen Oliver began her 40-year career with VCU as a ward clerk in the OB/GYN department of then MCV Hospitals. Over the years, she also worked in the Emergency Room Department, the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU) and the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, from which she retired in 1995. Ms. Oliver credits Julia Tuckra, clerical instructor for the CSICU, as a great influence on her work:  “She was an excellent teacher and I admired the strength and compassion she had for others.” 

In 1997, Ms. Oliver was asked to return as a hospital volunteer and began working part-time as unit secretary in the Department of Perioperative Surgical Services on the Perisurgical Unit.  She enjoys greeting and comforting patients and their families. 

Over her distinguished career, Ms. Oliver has been recognized for her efforts. In 1983, she was named first runner-up for “Unit Secretary of the Year.”  In 2000, she received the Elise Fisher Award for volunteering and also was named “Top Volunteer” by Richmond Magazine.  

Lillie H. Peyton - 40 years
Lillie H. Peyton began her 40 years of employment with VCU as a licensed practical nurse on the 6th floor of Saint Phillips Hospital.  After completing her VCU training, Ms. Peyton decided to call Richmond her home and is now a LPN for the Primary Care Clinic.

Ms. Peyton enjoys meeting patients, and she focuses on giving them individual attention.   “I loved working with the many different units and with all kinds of patients,” she said. Her colleagues and patients have benefited greatly by her hard work and generosity over the years. In her spare time, she also enjoys participating in church activities, reading, and working on her computer.

Steven Price - 40 years
In 1966, Steven Price began employment as a professor of physiology with then Richmond Professional Institute. 

Dr. Price earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Adelphi University in 1958.  He then continued graduate studies at Princeton University, receiving both master’s and doctoral degrees.  Before coming to VCU, Dr. Price completed two years of postdoctoral work in chemistry at Florida State University.  Today, Dr. Price’s research is directed toward developing an understanding of receptor mechanisms in the chemical senses of taste and smell.

In his spare time, Dr. Price enjoys spending time with his 14-year-old son.  

Suzanne S. Seay - 40 years
After attending Physical Therapy school at then MCV, Suzanne S. Seay began employment in the Outpatient Department in 1965.  Knowing its reputation for being on the “cutting edge of medicine,” Suzanne decided to stay in the clinical department of physical therapy, working in the hospital.  Over the years, she has witnessed many changes, from the early wooden wheelchairs to advanced technology and a centralized campus of great size and stature.

Ms. Seay credits her patients, students and colleagues for encouraging her to learn, to teach and to share her passion for what VCU offers. Today she works in the Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy department two days a week and assists with other administrative tasks as requested.
“I would not trade a single year,” she said. “It was the right choice for me and I have never regretted my decision to spend my entire career of 40 years in physical therapy here. It was my privilege!” 

Ms. Seay is an avid sports fan, spends time with her children and grandchildren, and is active in her church.

Jerry Daniel Tomney - 40 years
Jerry Daniel Tomney began employment at VCU as a medical records clerk in Health Information Management, transferring old hospital charts to microfilm.  Currently, he locates medical charts for legal proceedings of law firms and insurance companies.

Over the years, Jerry has observed the transformation of VCU’s landscape and campus as evidenced by the construction of new buildings and an increase in the number of new and highly qualified doctors attracted here. 

He credits fellow staff member Carol Johnson with influencing him throughout his career: “She always taught us new things to better our department,” he said.  He retires from VCU after 40 years of hard work, and his department will miss his keen sense of humor.

Sonia Vlahcevic - 40 years
Sonia Vlahcevic began her employment as a professor of music in piano, theory, form and analysis, and aural skills in 1966.  Her teaching spans the establishment of Virginia Commonwealth University from Richmond Professional Institute and the influence of five university presidents. She credits VCU President Eugene P. Trani for VCU’s transformation into the dynamic and innovative university it is today. 

She received a Bachelor of Music degree with honors and a Master of Music degree in piano pedagogy from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. During her studies, which included a dissertation on the stylistic analysis of Sergei Prokofiev’s sonata, Sonia was awarded graduate assistantships in music history, solfeggio and theory.  She earned her doctorate in theory form from Catholic University of America. 

At VCU, Dr. Vlahcevic actively teaches and advises graduate music students, especially in the field of piano.  She credits VCU for giving her academic freedom, which she defines as her most influential and significant factor for teaching.

In her spare time, Dr. Vlahcevic enjoys salsa dancing, ballet and world travel.