The Usha Kundu, MD College of Health at the University of West Florida marked its 10-year anniversary with an inaugural Community and Alumni Awards ceremony on May 20 at the Pensacola Museum of Art. The celebration recognized outstanding healthcare professionals and community leaders while announcing a new $25,000 endowment.
“As we celebrate our College’s 10th anniversary, it’s fitting that we recognize the individuals who have helped shape our mission and extend our impact,” said Dr. Dave Bellar, dean of the College. “These award recipients exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and serve with compassion.”
Award Recipients were:
- Community Impact Award: Rep. Michelle Salzman
- Healthcare Leadership Award: Will Condon, President of Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola
- Alumni of the Year: Joyce Nichols, CNO at Baptist Health Care
- Rising Alumni Leader Award: Hong Potomski
- Honorary Awards: Dr. Usha and Dave Kundu, and Dr. Ermalynn Kiehl
The celebration also announced the “Founding Dean, Dr. Ermalynn Kiehl Excellence Endowment,” a $25,000 gift from family and friends of the College’s founding dean that will provide scholarship and operational support.
Dr. Kiehl expressed gratitude at the event: “To have this kind of opportunity at this University, to end your career at a place like UWF – it was certainly a blessing to my career. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
For more information about the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, visit uwf.edu/ukcoh.
