UDM's College of Health Professions honored five distinguished alumni at its annual Honors Convocation, March 29. These individuals were recognized for their professional and community contributions in demonstrating leadership and excellence in their profession, serving their community and becoming a role model for others.

The recipients of the 2009 College of Health Professions Alumni of the Year Awards are: Vandella Campbell '00, Kathleen Dobbs '84, Mary Ann Rayat '77, '03, Sr. Rosita Schiller, RSM, '59 and Patricia Waugh '97.

From left: Sr. Rosita Schiller, RSM, '59; Mary Ann Rayat '77, '03; Patricia Waugh '97; Kathleen Dobbs '84; Vandella Campbell '00.

Vandella Campbell '00

Health Services Administration/Management Award

As a strong supporter of the Health Services Administration program, Campbell has served on its Alumni Council, and has provided her insight to students as a guest speaker. She is also active in the professional organization, serving as a member of the Student Activities Council of the Midwest Healthcare Executives Group and Associates.

With more than 10 years of experience in health information management, she has used her leadership, analytical and technical skills to improve health care operations and the health of the communities served. As the clinical data manager for Trinity Health, Campbell currently provides leadership to 19 hospitals and health centers using a team-oriented approach resulting in successful chronic disease management outcomes.

Kathleen Dobbs '84, '96

Physician Assistant Award

Dobbs is the administrative director for Adult Clinic Services at Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit, where she directs the personnel, operational and financial activities for clinical and Physician Assistant services. During her career, she has held positions in the health care field encompassing, education, management and direct patient care. In each position Dobbs has assumed leadership and teaching roles to advance the PA profession. She has served the PA profession as a founding trustee and as president of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants and PA Education and Research Foundation of Michigan.

She has been a site visitor for the accrediting body of the PA Program for more than 10 years. In addition, she has contributed to numerous professional publications and presentations. Dobbs also volunteers in school health programs and for the Michigan Chapter of the American Cancer Society and Easter Seals Neighborhood Campaign. She is recognized for her efforts in advancing the PA profession in the health care field.

Mary Ann Rayrat '77

Nursing Award

Rayrat's nursing career has been primarily focused in community health settings. She has served as a community health nurse, clinical preceptor, supervisor and manager, quality improvement specialist, and is currently the executive director of the Michigan Eastern Region for Trinity Home Health Services. In this role, she has clinical, fiscal and operational oversight of two homecare agencies and a hospice agency in southeastern Michigan.

Throughout her career, clinical excellence, a caring attitude and inspiring leadership have defined Rayrat's nursing practice. She volunteers in her parish nurse program and serves on various committees of the Michigan Home Health Association (MHHA) as well as on its Board of Directors; she is a previous president of the MHHA Board of Directors. She is committed to the nursing profession and to the support of current and future nurses. As a caring woman known for her integrity, Rayrat lives the values of UDM each day.  (See the McAuley School of Nursing site.)

Sr. Rosita Schiller, RSM '59

Allied Health Award

Internationally known as an expert in nutrition and dietetics, Sr. Schiller's career has encompassed positions in health care dietary management, teaching, academic administration and governance. An educator for approximately 35 years at University of Detroit Mercy and The Ohio State University, Sr. Schiller has written and lectured extensively, and worked with educators worldwide.

Sr. Schiller was named Professor Emeritus from The Ohio State University, having retired as professor and director of the Medical Dietetics Division, School of Allied Medical Professions at OSU, and she remains active in nutrition and dietetic professional organizations. She currently serves as a development assistant at St. Mary Medical Center in Grand Rapids.

With her broad academic and health care knowledge, she is a valued member of governance boards for UDM, St. Mary Medical Center-Springfield, Ohio and Mount Carmel Health System-Columbus, Ohio. Sr. Schiller has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to her profession, including the award for Outstanding Education and Research from the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the prestigious ADA Medallion, and the ODA President's Award. She was named a Fellow of the ADA as a result of her demonstrated leadership in the profession.

Patricia Waugh '97

Nurse Anesthetist Award

Waugh currently serves as a lead Clinical Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac. In this role, she has been a strong advocate and supporter of nurse anesthetist students during their rotation at St. Joe's. She works closely with the students, demonstrating her love of clinical teaching. She has also served on program committees and regularly attends graduation ceremonies to celebrate the achievement of UDM nurse anesthetist students. She is an inspiration to new graduates and mentors them as they transition into the workplace.