The Stony Brook University School of Health Professions recognized nine graduates for their achievements in healthcare at the Outstanding Alumni Awards on March 25. The event, held in the Health Sciences Center Galleria, included students, faculty, staff and more than 60 virtual attendees.
The awards highlighted alumni who have shown excellence in clinical care, leadership, education and advancing healthcare systems. Stacy Jaffee Gropack, dean of the School of Health Professions (SHP), said, “At the SHP Outstanding Alumni Event, we honored graduates whose extraordinary accomplishments are matched by their deep commitment to giving back. Through scholarships, teaching, mentoring, and service, our alumni illuminate the path forward for today’s students.”
Honorees represented a range of disciplines. Stephen D’Amico was recognized for his work in voice and upper airway care after completing a fellowship at Houston Methodist and joining an interdisciplinary team at the Texas Voice Center. Kiera Deller was promoted to transfusion medicine manager at North Shore University Hospital while also serving as a mentor and clinical instructor connected to Stony Brook.
Other awardees included Rhys Filmer for his leadership in healthcare technology; Jules Maynard for supporting rural hospitals through enterprise systems; Ken O’Korn for his advancement to director of respiratory care at Stony Brook University Hospital; Edder Peralta for leading training initiatives as education supervisor at Stony Brook Medicine; Jacqueline Smith for combining military service with physical therapy expertise; Claudia Williams for her operational leadership across NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health sites; and Lyncan Williams as chief physician assistant enhancing patient care at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens.
Gropack said about this group: “The engagement of this group of alumni is the heartbeat of our school. They help us shape a culture of excellence, compassion and leadership as we prepare future health care professionals to make a lasting impact on their communities and professions.”
The recognition event emphasized not only individual achievement but also ongoing connections between alumni and current students through mentorships and advisory roles.
