Index

In my 45 years in higher education, the string of tragic losses this semester has been the most difficult thing I’ve experienced, both as an educator and as an individual. My heart is heavy with the struggles of so many students and others who bravely shared their grief, frustration, anger, questions and suggestions at a Monday meeting attended by more than 400. All evening, we saw and heard the intensity of emotion, as well as students’ and employees’ strong commitment to do better for those around us. As the meeting went on, I became more hopeful and confident that we, as a community, can respond with shared hope, strength and effective resources. Our goal is to reshape the conversation about mental health, the stresses of life and the responsibility and opportunity we have—as peers and professionals—to influence and care for others at pivotal moments.

A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics shows increased rates of implementation of hospital-based breastfeeding initiatives are associated with decreased rates of infant deaths in the first six days after birth, dispelling speculation that such practices might increase infant death. Lori Feldman-Winter, MD, MPH, professor of pediatrics at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) and a pediatrician at Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper University Health Care, was a co-author of the study.

Judith Jamison, a legendary dancer, choreographer and artistic director emerita of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City, will deliver Rowan University's 2020 Dr. MLK Jr. Scholarship Breakfast keynote address Jan. 20.

The last 24 hours have been a trying time for the University community. As you may know, at about noon yesterday a male student fell from the parking garage on Rowan Boulevard near the Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Last night, more than 75 students and staff had an important discussion about wellness issues, resources and professionals we have in place to help students. The discussion encouraged everyone to speak openly of mental health issues so Rowan can continue to address students’ concerns about wellbeing. This is a conversation we will keep pursuing as we face what has been a national crisis.

In Rowan's Center for Behavior Analysis, professors and students use behavior analysis--the use of scientific principles to explain and change behavior--to assist children and adults.

World-renowned TV host, author, special effects expert, animator, graphic designer, carpenter, set designer, toy maker, welder and scenic painter – will soon have another descriptor: Rowan Commencement keynote speaker.

More than 150 medical students from across the Philadelphia region took part in the 5th Annual Racism in Medicine (RIMC) Conference, held recently at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU). The summit, organized and led this year by CMSRU medical student volunteers, aimed to educate future healthcare professionals about intersectional social issues that affect healthcare. The theme of this year’s RIMC was “Immigrant and Minority Health.”

Rowan University is on its way to establishing an esports program. “It really is an area that encompasses everything…arts and science and engineering and mathematics and coding,” Rowan President Ali A. Houshmand said. “That’s the beauty of it.”

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) received the 2019 Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Engagement at the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) annual meeting, held in November in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Philadelphia Business Journal has named Rowan President Ali A. Houshmand to its prestigious Power 100 List, “a guide to the region's most influential people.”