Annual recognition ceremony honors esteemed CMU College of Medicine faculty

Annually, Central Michigan University’s College of Medicine hosts a Faculty Recognition and Awards Ceremony to honor the educators, health care practitioners, researchers, mentors, advisors and role models who are dedicated to teaching our learners to become knowledgeable, skilled, caring and compassionate physician providers. These faculty members form the foundation of our medical school, providing essential pre-clinical education and generously sharing their clinical expertise to train the next generation of physicians.

This year’s event highlighted the commitment of instructors and clinicians from the College, CMU Health, CMU Medical Education Partners, Covenant HealthCare, MyMichigan Health in Saginaw and Midland, Henry Ford St. John, Henry Ford Genesys, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, University Pediatricians and Memorial Healthcare.

The evening began with the acknowledgment of the Initial Clinical Experience preceptors, new Academy of Medical Educator members, recently promoted faculty members, and both Jess Bakke, Ph.D. and Rebecca Bogin who received the Dr. George E. and Mona Kikano Leadership in Medical Education Faculty and Staff Awards at the 2025 College of Medicine commencement ceremony in May.

This was followed by the presentation of the Excellence in Teaching Awards which recognize faculty members who demonstrate instructional expertise and exemplary teaching as well as the Excellence in Research Award which recognizes outstanding faculty research initiatives.  Recipients of these awards have shown great dedication to the mission, vision and values of the College.

• Excellence in Teaching as a Volunteer Community Educator recipients: 
  • Thomas Bills, M.D.
  • Nathan Krebs, D.O.
  • Rosemarie Walch, D.O.
  • R. Scott Vogel, D.O.
  • Matthew S. McRae, M.D. 
• Excellence in Teaching in Foundational Sciences recipient: Christopher Bobier, Ph.D.
• Excellence in Teaching in Medical Sciences recipient: Lorrie Garces, M.D.
• Excellence in Teaching in Pediatric Sciences recipient: Olubukola Faturoti, M.D.
• Excellence in Teaching in Surgical Sciences recipient: Christina Maser, M.D.
• Excellence in Research recipients: Brianne Lewis, Ph.D. and Sanjeev Aggarwal, M.D.

The ceremony culminated in the presentation of the D and C Mridha Spirit of Teaching Award. This award honors faculty members who combine outstanding accomplishments and effective teaching. It also recognizes the contributions of faculty members who strive to maintain and enhance the reputation of the college as an outstanding medical school and rewards faculty who inspire, stimulate, challenge and motivate their students in exemplary ways.  This award was presented to Edward McKee, Ph.D.

McKee is a professor of Biochemistry and Genetics and a founding faculty member of the College.  Throughout his long academic career, McKee has consistently demonstrated a willingness and ability to expand his knowledge and take on new teaching responsibilities as needed.  He is always updated with the newest information in the field and continuously improves the material he teaches, which he delivers with enthusiasm.  Students enjoy the clarity he provides with his organized explanations in response to their questions. McKee’s teaching methods encourage curiosity and critical reasoning while promoting integrity, preparedness, empathy and respect.  He is a model of an outstanding educator and leader.