Biology Alumni and the BioBeat
The BioBeat, the Department of Biology's annual newsletter, is published in the month of March. If you are interested in having something submitted for the BioBeat, please E-mail Dr. Jan Reber with the information you would like included.
If you have not updated your alumni information, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Regier or the offices of Alumni and Univesity Relations.
Biology Alumni in Health Professions
The Taylor University Health Professionals Association (TUHPA), currently in its year of development (2008-2009school year) by the Department of Biology, provides a means of networking between alumni and the faculty and students of Taylor.
The mission of TUHPA has expanded to encompass more than just the biology alumni and now includes networking and global outreach opportunities to Taylor alums, TU parents and family, and Taylor pre-medical students in all areas of public health. The Taylor University office of Alumni and Parent Relations will assist in the development of TUHPA and help maintain the organization.
During the 2008-2009 year of development, the following goals have been set:
Establishment of a Leadership Board:
Over 16 individuals have expressed an interest into the leadership of this association. The purpose of this group is to find members within TUHPA who will help to direct its current and future structure and applications. Maintainance and infrastructure will be handled by Alumni and University Relations. Individuals expressing an interest were.
- Nancy Barnun (84), Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Jeanine [King] Childs (74), Counselor
- Jennifer [Davis] Choi, Resident, General Surgery
- Dawn Davison (78),RN
- Jim Ciraky, (Parent), Psychotherapist
- Dawn [Comstock] Davison, (78), RN
- Michael Folkerts (96), RN
- Jon Gabrielsen (94), Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Amy Hauschildt (01), Dentist
- Marilynn Helms (Parent), RN
- Janet [Cheek] Hansel (83), Therapist
- Trina Helderman (00), ER Physician
- Bethany Hodge (01) Pediatrics
- Colleen [Kendrick] Kraft (98), Infectious Disease Fellow
- Tonya Mann (Parent), RN
- Andrea Moorehead (77), RN
- Todd Mundy (96), PA Orthopedic Surgery
- Scott Norris(82) Program Director of Children and Family Services
- Neal Smith (80), Dentist
- Scott True (83), Orthopedic Surgeon
- Todd Wagoner (90), Medical Case Manager
- Sara [Blocher] Wetli (05), PA
Database:
An initial database of 90 health professionals has been identified in TUHPA and will be maintained by the office of Alumni and Parent Relations. Additional alumni, parents and freinds have recently submitted their data. For examle, information including name, address, e-mail, occupation and area of minsitry will be stored. The database will provide the backbone for networking between TUHPA members. For example, members of TUHPA could use the database for contacts within regions, within specialties, or for upcoming events or opportunities, speaking engagements, or medical mission trips.
Networking:
Establish both online and real-world networking opportunites. Online networking structures are being developed (projected launch date of 2009) and reunions and conferences are being scheduled for each year.
Reunions/Conferences:
Gatherings dedicated to the networking of Christian medical professionals and for mutual encouragement will be constructed on a national and a regional format. Gatherings may include:
• Regional TUHPA gathering in major cities across the United States possibly tied in with other regional alumni events.
• TUHPA conference at Taylor University Upland on a Yearly or every other year format in conjuction with Heritage Weekend, which is in the spring of each year.
Plan Ahead:
May 2 during Heritage Week 2009 for our first "ON-CAMUS" TUHPA meeting with an invited speaker.
TUHPA Newsletter:
A biannual electronic newsletter (hard copies available upon request) will be published to inform members of upcoming opportunities, events, and other announcements. The newsletter would also provide a venue for premedical and allied health students to seek out summer practica experiences within the network.
Global Initiatives:
Global Engagement projects and International trips and Opportunities is a future area to be developed. Invitation to participate with a TUHPA global outreach program or in conjunction with other national/international organization (e.g., CMDA, GHO, CDC) will be facilitated by TUHPA is a possible future construct.
