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| Dr. Robert Lausch, left, professor emeritus of microbiology, and Dr. Robert Barrington, associate professor of microbiology and immunology, conduct research in the lab. |
Dr. Robert Barrington, associate professor of microbiology and immunology, received the Melvin Jones Fellow plaque while Dr. Robert Lausch, professor emeritus of microbiology, received the Melvin Jones pin. Lausch was previously awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow plaque in 2009 and received the pin this year for his more than 35 years of research at the college.
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Dr. Robert Lausch, left, and Dr. Robert
Barrington display their awards from
the Lions Club.
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“It is the highest honor, especially considering that those who nominated us are themselves civic leaders who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to helping others,” Barrington said. “It is also noteworthy that several of our University Lions Club members have previously received this award, which speaks to their general approach in life.”
“It has been my good fortune to have lay leaders in our community who recognize the importance of basic medical research,” Lausch said. “These men and women board members have been highly effective in helping to raise funds to support our work.”
According to Lausch, through efforts of this board, the endowment for eye research now exceeds $500,000 and benefits both faculty and student trainees at the USA College of Medicine.
The Foundation’s mission is to help eradicate preventable blindness through funding research and training the next generation of eye researchers. To fulfill this mission, during the past 28 years, the Foundation has supported studies leading to publication of approximately 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts from eye researchers at the USA College of Medicine and approximately 30 graduate student, post-doctoral, and medical student trainees who have gone on to careers in science and medicine.
Barrington joined the club in 2009 and Lausch has been a member for more than 30 years.
“It's really his example of generosity, compassion and actions to help others that inspired me to join,” Barrington said about Lausch’s involvement.
“Our University Lions Club is just one of countless others that serve our local communities through acts of uncommon kindness,” Barrington said, adding that the club helps those needing vision and hearing correction, sponsors kids with diabetes to receive education on their condition, builds ramps for the elderly so they can stay in their homes and helps maintain the Mobile Japanese Garden.
