Greetings Campus Community,

It is with pride and enthusiasm that I share with you the recipients of our 2011 Founders Week awards to be presented the week of Oct. 24:

Entrepreneur of the Year

Scott Strome, MD

Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the School of Medicine

Dr. Strome directs a large translational research program and is interested in all aspects of head and neck cancer patient care. The startup company, Gliknik, Inc., he formed with David Block, MD, MBA, is broadly recognized as one of Maryland's most promising early-stage biotech companies. In 2007, the Daily Record named Dr. Strome "Inventor of the Year." Based in our BioPark, Gliknik has raised more than $10 million. Led by Dr. Strome, Gliknik is developing new therapies for patients with cancer and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.

Teacher of the Year

Kathleen Holtz Deal, PhD

Associate professor, School of Social Work

Since joining the School in 1999, Dr. Deal has proved invaluable, especially to the PhD program. In addition to having taught both advanced-level MSW courses and doctoral courses, she has served on nine dissertation committees and co-chaired one. Her work has employed a strong developmental perspective examining the way that students change and grow throughout the educational process. Said one student: "Professor Deal is an extraordinary presence in the doctoral program. Her ability to connect and motivate students in a very graceful way is something that will guide me throughout my career."

Researcher of the Year

Gary Fiskum, PhD

Vice chair for research and Matjasko Professor for Research in Anesthesiology, School of Medicine

In his 13-plus years at the School, Dr. Fiskum has distinguished himself as an exceptional research scientist, particularly his work pertaining to mitochondrial dysfunction associated with traumatic brain injury. Recent studies have led to nearly $4 million in funds from the Department of Defense and a $2.7 million U.S. Air Force grant. He also is much in demand as a speaker at national and international meetings.

Public Servant of the Year

Jean Marie Roth

Academic program specialist, Office of Student Research, School of Medicine

A University employee since 1973, Ms. Roth has volunteered countless hours of her time both inside and outside the workplace. Externally she volunteers at the Hippodrome Theatre, the Hereford Optimist Club, for the city of Baltimore, and has chaired numerous fundraisers at her church, Our Lady of Grace Parish, to name a few. Within the University, she chairs the Staff Senate Community Outreach Committee and on behalf of the less fortunate she has led food drives, holiday drives, Cell Phones for Soldiers, and more.

Congratulations to all the winners. Look for more about them in University publications and on the Founders Week website leading up to the awards presentation at the Founders Gala on Oct. 25.

Jay A. Perman, MD
President