Meet the Class of 2015

“We are extremely proud of this class and pleased that you are members of our UB family,” said Dean Michael E. Cain, MD, during the Aug. 19 ceremony at Slee Hall.

“You are an exceptional group of individuals. Accordingly, we have great expectations regarding your future accomplishments, leadership and excellence in medicine, science and education.”

During the ceremony, Charles Severin, MD ’97, PhD, associate dean for medical education and admissions, provided an overview of the Class of 2015, as follows.

4,512

596

144

3.7

3.7

32

7

2

Most members of the Class of 2015 majored in science.

Others majored in such disciplines as history, economics, philosophy, dance, Russian, English and classical civilization.

The three double majors were:

• anthropology and preprofessional studies
• history and integrative neurosciences
• chemistry and dance

Incoming UB medical students received numerous accolades for academic achievement, athletics and community service.

One was awarded the New York State ACT for Excellence Scholarship, an award that only four students statewide receive.

Other students were honored with:

• the New York State Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence
• induction into Phi Beta Kappa
• the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Boy Scouts
  

The Class of 2015 conducted research on a wide variety of medical conditions: fragile X syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and autism, among them.

One student has authored two book chapters. Of the 19 articles she has published in peer-reviewed journals, she is first author on 10.

Several students were Howard Hughes research scholars.

Others researched at:

• Brookhaven National Laboratories
• NASA Ames Research Center
• the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy

One student served as a combat medic in Afghanistan. She received 11 citations for providing medical support to a platoon of cavalry scouts.

Several members of the incoming class volunteered as firefighters and served on ambulance crews.

Students’ other altruistic activities included tutoring mentally disabled children, volunteering at homeless shelters, teaching biology for an outreach program and knitting hats and blankets for premature babies.

Athletes in the class include:

• an alpine ski racer who competed in national championships for three consecutive years
• an Academic All-American rower
• an NCAA Division 1 wrestler
• a varsity football player

Students excelled in other sports, such as field hockey, tennis, ice hockey, rugby, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball.

The incoming class features many musicians including: a classical saxophonist, a drummer in a jazz band, a cappella singers, violinists, pianists, guitarists and cellists.