
Environmental Health & Safety’s Mark Cavanaugh to retire in December
Cavanaugh has been the University’s longest-serving leader of EH&S, contributing to numerous expansion and renovation projects over the years.

Erin Martin Kane named interim vice president for communications
Kane, who brings more than 25 years of experience in communications, public affairs, and marketing, begins the role on November 20.

Developers of bladeless LASIK earn AAAS Golden Goose Award
Donna Strickland and Gérard Mourou’s discovery of chirped pulse amplification at the University of Rochester helped make bladeless LASIK possible.

Laith Awad ’24 receives inaugural Obama-sponsored Voyager Scholarship for public service
A first-generation college student and accomplished leader and scholar, Awad aims to address systemic racism and socioeconomic disparities within health care.

Elizabeth Stauderman, vice president for communications, to step down in December
Since joining Rochester’s leadership team in 2015, Stauderman has led a “digital-first” approach to the University’s communications efforts.

Global Celebration Committee seeks input from University community on plan to showcase diversity
The group is accepting submissions through October 31 and will make recommendations to President Mangelsdorf in December.

Todd Ferrin named interim Director of Campus Dining Services and Auxiliary Operations
Ferrin, who joined the University in 2008, has helped lead many of the University’s auxiliary services and operations.

Adrienne Morgan named interim vice president and chief diversity officer
Morgan brings more than 20 years of experience to the interim role, including having led the development of the Medical Center’s Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan.

Elizabeth A. Milavec to be University EVP
Milavec will be the University’s inaugural executive vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer.

Mercedes Ramírez Fernández to step down in August
Ramírez Fernández has served as the University’s first vice president for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer since 2019.