Scholarship fundraiser’s theme celebrates “Women in STEM” during Mass STEM Week
Regis College honored world-renowned Massachusetts Eye and Ear researcher Patricia D’Amore ’73, PhD, MBA, with the university’s Shining Example Award. D’Amore, the director of the Schepens Eye Research Institute, was honored for her groundbreaking work to treat various ocular vascular diseases that affect millions of people worldwide every year.
“Pat has made significant contributions to the field of STEM including serving as a mentor to countless colleagues,” said Regis President Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN. “We are so proud that she got her start in the science labs at Regis.”
The Let It Shine Gala, now in its fourth year, has raised millions of dollars for student scholarships.
“My parents valued education and allowed me to thrive as the first in our family to go to college,” said D’Amore. “I think it's important to give back because everybody else should have the same life-changing opportunity I did.”
Regis honored Dr. D’Amore and highlighted the university’s dynamic STEM research during Massachusetts STEM Week 2019, a statewide effort to boost the interest, awareness and ability for all learners to envision themselves in STEM education and employment opportunities.
“STEM at Regis is a major focus of their teaching and learning,” said D’Amore. “It's important to have STEM training for women because they need the encouragement to go in the direction of a traditionally male-dominated field.”
Who
Regis President Antoinette Hays; John Tegan, chair of the Regis Board of Trustees and chairman of Communication Technology Services; and event co-chairs Dr. Ali Shajii, President and CEO at Emphysys, Inc. and Dr. Haleh Azar, DMD, presented Dr. D’Amore with the award, designed by beloved sculptor of “Make Way for Ducklings” Nancy Schön. Jack Connors returned as auctioneer and Kelley Tuthill, VP of Marketing and Communications at Regis, emceed.
Religious leaders: Sister Lee Hogan, CSJ, ’61, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston and Regis trustee; offered a blessing.
Political leaders: Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera and Carol Donovan ’59, retired state representative from Woburn, Mass.
Business leaders: Barry Sloane, Chairman, CEO, President and Chairman, and Linda Sloane Kay, Vice Chair, Century Bank; 2018 Shining Example Award recipient William S. Mosakowski, founder, president and CEO of Public Consulting Group; Rich D’Amore, Northbridge Venture Partners and Growth Equity, Camille Chang Gilmore, vice president of human resources and global chief diversity officer for Boston Scientific; Deryk Gilmore, agent for the NFL Players Association; and Doreen M. Zankowski, ’81, Esq., partner at Duane Morris LLP.
Education/Non-profit: Former Regis College President Dr. Mary Jane England ’59, MD, and Dr. John Dolan, head of school at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn.
