Welcome to the Upstate Health Professions Alumni Association!
Serving nearly 5,500 alumni living and working coast-to-coast across the US
Mission
The mission of the Health Professions Alumni Association is to foster lifelong relationships to ensure financial support for the College and its mission to educate a continuous source of quality health care professionals.
Vision
The Health Professions Alumni Association is the primary resource to connect, strengthen, cultivate, and nourish the College of Health Professions.
Values
Integrity • Engagement • Tradition • Service • Generosity • Inclusion • Mentorship • Stewardship
Scholarships: The Alumni Association is an important source of funding for student scholarships, which are only possible through the loyal and generous support of alumni across the decades. In the years since its first scholarship in 1995, the association has awarded over 625 scholarships to Upstate's Heath Professions students.
Thank you for considering a gift to the College of Health Professions Annual Fund. Your gift will make a difference for the College and our students through scholarships, faculty enrichment, equipment, and other needs.
Click here to give
SPECIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT!
White Coat Rock - Funding the future of healthcare
Get ready for an electrifying night of live music, community, and philanthropy at White Coat Rock! This annual event brings together the best of Upstate’s medical and local music scenes to support the future of healthcare.
This year’s lineup kicks off with Dr. Chin’s band, Spinal Chords, a must-see act featuring Upstate faculty, staff, and students. They’ll bring high-energy rock and an undeniable passion for music that’s sure to get the crowd moving. Then, Jam Theory takes the stage to close out the night with their signature sound and fan-favorite jams.
More than just a concert, White Coat Rock is a fundraiser benefiting Upstate Nursing and College of Health Professions students. Every ticket, donation, and moment spent enjoying the music helps support future healthcare professionals as they train to make a difference in our community.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of great music, great company, and support a great cause!
đź“… Thursday May 15th
⏰ Doors open at 7 pm – Show starts at 8 p.m.
đź“Ť Funk & Waffles - 307-13 S Clinton St, Downtown Syracuse
Tickets & Info: http://tiny.cc/WhiteCoatRock
About Spinal Chords:
*SPINAL CHORDS: THE DOCTORS ARE IN (THE BAND, THAT IS!)
When they’re not diagnosing, treating, or studying, the members of Spinal Chords are busy rocking out! This Upstate-based band is made up of faculty, staff, and students who trade stethoscopes for strings, scrubs for stage lights, and white coats for wicked riffs. With powerhouse vocals from medical student Olivia Laniak, the keys in expert hands with Jian Li, and a lineup of talented guitarists (Humza Khan, Shaun Sergott, and Amit Dhamoon) bringing the heat, this band knows how to keep a crowd on its feet. Holding down the bassline is Dr. Mike Vertino, proving that neurologists really do have rhythm. And on drums? None other than Dr. Larry Chin, a neurosurgeon by day and rock legend by night.
Whether you need a prescription for good music or just a reason to let loose, Spinal Chords is here to deliver—no appointment necessary.
DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR LIMITED EDITION, COMMEMORATIVE TEE!
Whether you’re attending the concert or cheering us on from afar, this is a fashionable and fun way to support future healthcare heroes.
These limited-edition tees celebrate Spinal Chords, a band made up of Upstate’s own students, faculty, and staff who will bring down the house and raise money for future healthcare leaders!
Multiple styles and colors are available. Order now for delivery before the show: https://www.bonfire.com/white-coat-rock-t-shirt/
An Update on Crystal Bastien, `17
Since graduating from Upstate CHP in 2017, Crystal Bastien, PA-C, DMSc, has built a thriving career in internal medicine, precepted future PAs, and recently earned her Doctor of Medical Science—all while balancing full-time practice.
To read more about her journey and dedication to the PA profession CLICK HERE
Congratulations to Our Distinguished Alumni
October 29, 2024 - The College of Health Professions Alumni Association held its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Ceremony, an event honoring the exceptional achievements and lasting contributions of six distinguished alumni. This milestone event unveiled the Distinguished Alumni Wall in the newly renovated Silverman Hall, which will stand as a lasting tribute that reflects the dedication, leadership, and transformative work of our alumni across healthcare fields.
The honorees, recognized for their remarkable professional accomplishments and their positive impact within communities, embody the values of SUNY Upstate Medical University. Through their careers and service, they have contributed in outstanding ways—as mentors, researchers, and committed volunteers. This special evening celebrated their achievements and underscored the College’s commitment to fostering impactful healthcare professionals.
Following the ceremony, a reception offered guests an opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate with the inductees, whose careers continue to inspire future generations of healthcare providers. Congratulations to the 2024 honorees:
- John O. Barr, BS-PT, MA, PhD, FAPTA – Physical Therapy, Class of 1973
- Craig B. Hansen, AAS, BS – Radiation Therapy, Class of 1988
- Shelley C. Mishoe, PhD, RRT, FAARC, FASAHP – Respiratory Therapy, Class of 1975 & 1977
- Maryann Roefaro, MS (FACMPE), MT(ASCP)SM – Medical Technology, Class of 1988
- Joseph G. Sorbello, MSEd, RT, RRT, FAARC – Respiratory Therapy, Class of 1975 & 1977
- Alfred H. Stammers, MSA, CCP (Emeritus) – Clinical Perfusion, Class of 1987
Through this annual ceremony, the College of Health Professions Alumni Association affirms its commitment to honoring alumni whose dedication to healthcare sets a standard for all. Photos from the event capture the spirit of recognition and celebration that defined this evening.
To see more photos from this remarkable event, CLICK HERE.
Professor Emeritus Bob Sunheimer ’74, right, has established the Robert L. Sunheimer Clinical Laboratory Sciences Endowment with a gift of $25,000 to the Upstate Foundation.Above Sunheimer, right, presents a check for $25,000 to Russ Corbin, the new director of Upstate's Health Professions Alumni Association.
Alumni Spotlight: Robert L. Sunheimer ’74 - A Lifetime Devotion to Medical Technology Inspires New Scholarship
August 2024 - From 1985 to 2011, Robert L. Sunheimer MSMT(ASCP) SC1, SLS2, professor emeritus of Clinical Laboratory Science, taught chemistry, laboratory instrumentation, and lab statistics for SUNY Upstate College of Health Professions. His history with Upstate has spanned nearly fifty years, but his career as a Medical Technologist was a lifetime in the making. Sunheimer recently dedicated a scholarship in his name, which he hopes will encourage students to become laboratory professionals.
During high school, Sunheimer knew he wanted to be a chemist, but a lack of financial resources kept him from going to college at that time. Instead, he was drafted into the Army. After being discharged, the GI Bill allowed Sunheimer to pursue his education goals. A friend of his father, who worked at Allied Chemical, recommended Sunheimer apply to Broome Tech, now Broome Community College.
Read about Mr. Sundheimer's gift here.
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White Coat Ceremony Welcomes Over 160 New Healthcare Students
August 26, 2024 - This past Saturday, we proudly hosted the annual White Coat Ceremony, a momentous event marking the official start of our students' medical and clinical training. The ceremony, a symbolic rite of passage, welcomed over 160 incoming students from the College of Health Professions.
The white coat, a powerful emblem of the students' commitment to their patients and the healthcare profession, was presented to each participant by the Health Professions Alumni Association. This tradition not only signifies the beginning of their journey into the healthcare field but also the dedication and responsibility they carry forward.
We congratulate all of our new students on taking this significant step in their careers and wish them success as they embark on their path to becoming the next generation of healthcare professionals.
We'd like to thank our sponsor, Nascentia Health for their support and participation in this event, which means so much everyone involved.
Congratulations to all the incoming College of Health Professions Students!
Stay tuned for more photos from this amazing day.
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To see older Health Professions Alumni News, you can go to our News and Stories Archive page by CLICKING HERE.