Three former RWC students received Distinguished Alumni Awards at a ceremony Friday evening, April 29. At the ceremony, which also recognized Distinguished Faculty and Staff, RWC Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Don O’Meara presented Dr. Gary Conroy, Diane McPhillips, and Biz McClure with Distinguished Alumni Awards. McPhillips and McClure are now members of the RWC faculty.In making the presentations, Dean O’Meara made remarks in which he highlighted each award winner’s illustrious career. Dr. Gary Conroy knows what it’s like to be a college student, Dean O’Meara said. While pursuing his education he held a full time job.
“In fact, Gary worked full time for the 22 years between when he graduated with his associate’s degree in science from RWC and when he earned his doctorate in Chemistry at UC’s downtown campus,” Dean O’Meara stated. Currently, Dr. Conroy is Director of Research, Development and Regulatory Affairs for Plastics Additives at Rohm and Haas, an international chemical company based in Cincinnati.
He supervises a staff of 30 scientists and technicians who are associated in leading-edge research in the field of PVC stabilization. Dr. Conroy has three US patents pending and holds seven; he has published numerous papers in his field’s leading journals and is widely regarded as one of the leading experts in his field.
“We should all aspire to Gary’s level of success,” Bob Howell, Chair of RWC’s Chemistry Department suggested.
According to Conroy, his ascent to the success he enjoys today all started at Raymond Walters. “If I’ve had success in my career, it’s because I got a solid start through Raymond Walters and then realized that the world is open to me if I was willing to put in more work and continue my education,” he said.
I’ve progressed through the ranks to the point where I’ve directed research and managed projects for these very big companies, so I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished from a professional stand point. But when I retire, I’ll likely look back and say that one of the finest things I did was to complete my education. Getting that doctorate degree in chemistry put the icing on the cake for me.”
Conroy had some advice for others who may pursue a multi-year journey to achieve their educational and career goals. “Don’t lose sight of where you want to be and what the end goal is,” he said.
Diane McPhillips holds a position as Assistant Professor of Nursing here at RWC. She graduated from RWC’s Nursing Program in 1976, then came back in 2000 to join the faculty here. Prior to her return, she was a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist at Christ Hospital and taught at Northern Kentucky University, Thomas More College, and Christ Hospital. McPhillips earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the College of Mt. St. Joseph and her Master’s Degree in Nursing from UC.
She dedicated 14 years to her education between entering RWC’s Nursing program and obtaining her Master’s degree.
McPhillips said she always had the feeling that she was destined to teach. As a former student of RWC, she remembers that the classes were small, so the teacher-student ratio made it possible to get to know the faculty along with their being easily approachable.
“Professor McPhillips is a superb educator,” says Pat Mezinskis, Professor in RWC’s Nursing program. “We are grateful to have such a gifted faculty member in our department.”
In 2002, Professor McPhillips was the lead author of an $840,000 grant from the Bureau of Health and Human Services to make nursing education available to minority and under-privileged students. After successfully securing the Grant for Academic Initiative in Nursing-aka-GAIN Grant, she became the program’s Project Coordinator, a position in which she recruits applicants, orients tutors, and supervises the program’s Academic Advisor.
She also created a new diversity course for the program.
“Being recognized that you’re making a difference and doing something meaningful is appreciated very much,” McPhillips said. “It’s awesome, really. I’m very honored.” She called the award “the proudest achievement” of her distinguished career.
Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Elizabeth McClure, better known as Biz to everyone here at RWC, has been a professor here in the Dental Hygiene program since 1990. McClure stated that she attributed everything to the discipline and curriculum here that allowed her to be successful down the road.
“Biz’s teaching style is admired by her peers and much appreciated by her students,” says Pat Frese, a fellow professor in the RWC Dental Hygiene program and a past distinguished Alumni recipient. Pat also referred to McClure as being exceptionally caring towards her students and creating a fun and effective learning environment for them.
“Her passion for learning was always present,” says one former student of McClure, Nicole Wilhelm. “I truly believe she has a gift that few possess. She made us feel as though we, as individuals, were the most important facet of the program.”
“I try to attack problems until they are solved,” McClure commented. “One of the things I learned as a student at Raymond Walters was that you have to be proactive to be successful.” McClure also finds time somehow to coach 9-year-old girls’ soccer and volunteers for the Anderson Park District.
She has had the privilege of advising her share of students as an academic advisor here and said, “I always encourage them to become a lifelong learner even if they can’t go on to get an advanced degree. Stay active in your professional associations and don’t ever give up your pursuit of knowledge because our field is ever changing and every day is an opportunity to learn something new,” she advises her students.