Dear Bio Sci Alum:

In the third century of biology at Ohio State, the three "r's" are not "reading," "riting" and "rithmetic." They are recruiting, retaining and recognizing exceptional students like Mike Buschur, an honors student who has an independent research project, is active in student government, performs community service, and is president of Helix, the College Honor Society.

Until now, we have focused on the first and third "R," helping to recruit honors and scholars students and recognizing achievement by hosting an annual lunch for graduating students.

Now, we are launching an initiative to help retain students by providing support through an endowed scholarship. Scholarship opportunities have never been more important than in this time of down-sizing, rising unemployment and less financial support from the state.

Interim Dean Rich Hall is issuing a challenge to all Bio Sci alums. He has pledged to use the Dean's Discretionary Fund to match every dollar donated to the Bio Sci Alumni Scholarship Fund up to a maximum of $12,500. It currently takes $25,000 to create an endowed fund at Ohio State.

We can never pay back the full value of the education we received at Ohio State. But we can consider paying forward to enable students to concentrate on their studies and be productive and successful. Please consider contributing at the highest level you can afford-$1000, 500, 250, 125, or any other amount. All contributions are welcome and appreciated; and contributions of $25 or more qualify you for membership in the Bio Sci Alumni Society.

You may use the enclosed envelope in this issue. Please indicate the scholarship fund number-#0300,302360,schol-on your check. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please contact me by e-mail at jennik02@odjfs.state.oh.us.

Sincerely,

Karen Jennings
First Vice President

We are very proud of all our alumni-for your many contributions to your professions, your communities, your college and university. It is especially gratifying when you are recognized for your achievements. This has been a landmark year for Bio Sci alumni recognition: three of our alums won top Alumni Association awards, our Bio Sci Alumni Society President received an Outstanding Societies' Leadership Award and our society was honored with an Outstanding Society Award.

Alumni Association Professional Achievement Award Winners

Two of these three annual awards, which are presented to alumni "who have achieved superb records of distinguished career accomplishments and made outstanding contributions to their professions" were given to Bio Sci alums Charles W. Gehrke, B.A., biological sciences '39, M.S., bacteriology, '41, Ph.D., biochemistry '47; and Andrea A. Zachary, Ph.D., B.S. microbiology, 1967; M.S., immunology, 1969.

Andrea A. Zachary is a director of the Immunogenetics Laboratory and an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. During her career, she has contributed substantially to the scientific and technological development of histocompatability and immunogenetics, which involves genetic studies of the immune system. Her efforts in identifying and tracking donor-specific antibodies has led to amazing clinical benefits, enabling successful kidney transplants into sensitized patients. Her contributions to her field are internationally recognized.

Andrea A. Zachary

Dan L. Heinlen Award

David G. Rummel

David G. Rummel, B.S., biological sciences '62, D.D.S., dental surgery '66, received this year's Dan L. Heinlen Award, presented annually to an alum "who has achieved a superb record of university advocacy." Rummel has been active with Ohio State Advocates, which works for the university's betterment with the legislative community. He has been president of the Ohio Dental Association and a member of the Alumni Advisory Council from 1991 to 1997, representing the College of Dentistry. He has a long, distinguished record of professional and public service. Currently, he is co-chair of the Ohio Department of Health's task force on access to dental care. He has served on the Ohio House of Representatives health professional graduates placement review committee, and served on the ADA's Council of Governmental Affairs and Federal Dental Services.

Outstanding Alumni Society Scarlet Award 2001

This award is given to societies for their outstanding work on behalf of students. The Bio Sci Alumni Society was nominated-and recognized, for "its commitment to enhancing the quality of the student experience and its innovative partnership with the Admissions Office to encourage top biology students to attend Ohio State." Additionally, our alumni initiated an annual lunch for graduating students and their families, now in its fourth year. Each quarter, every graduate receives a letter of congratulations from the society president. Student reps are invited to every meeting and special event. The society is now working to establish student scholarships, awards programs, career nights, and mentoring programs. Pretty good for a society officially less than two years old!

Bio Sci Alumni Society Officers & Board Members at Award Ceremony (bottom row, l-r) Ron Schild, Karen Jennings, Bob Atwell (top, l-r) Barbara Dixon, Marjeanne Morrison, Dean Hall, Sandi Rutkowski, Craig Little

Outstanding Alumni Society Leader Award 2001

Ron Schild, left, accepts award from Craig Little, Dir., Alumni Societies

Ron Schild, biology, '70, President of the Biological Sciences Alumni Society, received the 2001 Outstanding Alumni Society Leader Award. Schild was nominated and recognized for his "active participation and leadership, his 'let's make it work' attitude and his ability to lead by enthusiastic example." His commitment to the university, the college and the alumni society is total. It was Schild's idea to work with the Admissions Office and participate in their Calling Nights Program. Schild has long been active in the Chicago Alumni Society Club and has been involved with the BioSci Alumni Society since the beginning, flying in from Chicago to attend virtually every society meeting, committee meeting and alumni event for the past four years. It is no coincidence that with alumni involvement like Schild's, our Society is a winner!