Phil Brenner

3B Orthopaedics Athletic Training Student Excellence Award

Phil Brenner is a fifth year athletic training student and will be graduating this May with a master's degree in Athletic Training. Phil has done clinical rotations at Eastern High School, Rowan University, and Reconstructive Orthopedics. He also received a grant for his research related to meditation and recovery from injury.

Timothy Leo Martini

David R. Biren Exercise Science Award: This medallion, donated by the Biren family in honor of David Robert Biren, is awarded to a graduating Exercise Science Major who exemplifies a passion for promoting the idea that “Exercise is Medicine”. This may be accomplished by active engagement in research or programs that foster the role of exercise as preventative medicine.

Timothy Martini graduated in December of 2020 with a B.S. in Exercise Science. Beyond his hard work in the classroom, Tim volunteered as a trainer for the Rowan University Get FIT program and completed a 400-hour physical therapy internship at Trifecta Therapeutics. Since graduating, Tim earned his CrossFit Level 1 Certification and works as a Coach at CrossFit 1 Force in West Deptford.

Michelle McCarthy

Excellence in Nursing:  Awarded to a registered nurse, this medallion recognizes a nursing student with outstanding performance in course work.  

Michelle McCarthy is graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Eighteen years of her career have been at the same home care agency. She has functioned in various roles from case manager to triage/call nurse. In preparation for for her new career path as a nurse practitioner, she has begun working with the manager of the Counseling center at this same home care agency, to develop the job responsibilities of the psychiatric mental health NP as well as implement the new Electronic Health Record system within the center. Her goal is to utilize her MSN to implement medication management and therapy to children, adolescents and adult clients of the agency who are dealing with mental health issues such as ADHD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders. She plans to address her clients’ needs in a holistic manner including care for their physical, emotional and behavioral needs. Michelle truly embodies the spirit of nursing!

Georgia Lucia Proffitt

Evelyn M. Reade Health & Exercise Science Award: This medallion is awarded to a deserving Health & Exercise Science major in memory of Dr. Evelyn M. Reade, a member of the Department of Health & Exercise Science from 1946 to 1972, Department Chairperson and Dean of Women. 

Georgia Proffitt is graduating with a B.S. in Exercise Science. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Georgia works as a Physical Therapy Aide at Advanced Physical Therapy and as an undergraduate tutor and lab assistant for the Department of Health and Exercise Science. She has also been involved in a number of extracurricular opportunities including, the administration of concussion and neurocognitive laboratory assessments as an undergraduate research assistant, and serving as a member of Autism Speaks, CHAARG and the Exercise is Medicine Club.

Francis Robert Ramirez

Health Promotion and Fitness Management Award: This medallion, donated by the Department of Health & Exercise Science, is awarded to a graduating Health Promotion/Fitness Management student who excels in academics and is committed to community service. 

Rob Ramirez will be graduating in August 2021 with a B.S. in Public Health and Wellness. In addition to excelling in academics, Rob serves as the President of the Rowan University Public Health Club, and as an athlete on both the Rowan Rugby Football Club and Powerlifting Club. He previously served as a unit secretary for the surgical intensive care unit at Jefferson Hospital, as well as completed clinical rotations at Cooper University, Jefferson Health and Virtua Health System. Beyond these professional development experiences, Rob has volunteered abroad in Guatemala, Brazil and Bolivia.

Mayda Hernandez

Health & Exercise Science Award

Michael Onu

Health & Exercise Science Award

Michael Onu is graduating with a B.S. in Human Performance in Clinical Settings with a minor in Psychology and a Certificate in Undergraduate Study in Sports Psychology. In addition to his hard work in the classroom, Michael worked as an undergraduate research assistant on a biomechanical study titled, Compressed Gas Actuated Knee Assistive Exoskeleton for Slip-Induced Fall Prevention During Human Walking. Michael was also involved in a number of extracurricular activities including, serving as the Vice President of the Exercise is Medicine Club, a student athlete on the both the Rowan University cross-country and track teams and a member of the IDEAS Lab.

Gina Conti

Nursing

Gina Conti is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a consistent A student with strong work ethics demonstrated in the classroom as well as her professional nursing role. What is most remarkable about Gina is her dedication to advancing her professional knowledge. This dedication was illustrated during the Spring 2021 semester. Gina let me know that she was expecting her first child and that her due date would be most likely during the first two weeks of the course. As predicted, she did deliver her healthy baby at the end of January. Rather than ask for an extension, she was genuinely determined to stay on track with her assignments. From her hospital room, hours after the delivery, she explained why she would be a day late with her weekly discussion posts. This kind of engagement exemplifies Gina's commitment to life-long learning and professionalism.