Emeritus faculty achievements: New works and well-earned distinctions

Emeritus faculty at Penn State College of Medicine continue to shape scholarship, creativity and professional excellence well beyond their active service years.

From newly published books and literary contributions to national honors recognizing decades of impact, the achievements highlighted below reflect the breadth of talent, curiosity and commitment that define our emeritus community.

We’re pleased to share recent publications and recognitions celebrating the ongoing work of our distinguished colleagues.

Publications

“Up On Raven’s Roost”
Written by Tom McGarrity, MD

For Sean, life was more than good. It felt like he was running downhill.

Second semester third year at the University of Virginia acing all his premedical courses. And he had fallen in love with a Southern, brown-eyed beauty, Gage, equally determined to get into medical school.

But a visit to student health changes all that.

Sean was sure it was a nothin’burger. But it was anything but. Now he was learning about medicine from the other side of the gurney.

Together, Gage and Sean had to run up every mountain to capture their dream.

“Broken Glass”
Written by George Simms, MD, PhD

Drawing on his personal experiences as a husband and physician, George Simms, MD, weaves together timeless aphorisms, personal anecdotes, and hard-won wisdom to uncover beauty in life’s broken moments. With candid insights into the complexities of human suffering and inner strength, Dr. Simms reminds us that, like broken glass catching the light, we often shine brightest through our imperfections.

In an unflinching yet hopeful voice, this book invites readers to reflect deeply on their own journeys, embrace the inevitability of change, and find grace in the face of life’s challenges.

Perfect for those navigating transitions or grappling with the bittersweet nature of existence, Broken Glass serves as a gentle guide toward acceptance, gratitude, and personal growth.

“The Guilded Pen” anthology’s 13th edition, “Good Luck With That”
Published by the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild
Featuring pieces by Eileen Hennrikus, MD: “Franz Marc, An Artist in War” and “Kandinsky: Defying the Odds”

Some may think it’s fitting that the theme for our thirteenth edition of our anthology, “The Guilded Pen: Good Luck With That,” includes a reference to luck. After all, the number thirteen conjures up thoughts of misfortune.

But we believe the short stories in this anthology bring out a more important theme: a sense of the authors’ optimism.

The stories show that we each have the ability to direct our luck through our choices, reflecting the optimism and dedication of our members to continuous learning and growing.

“Murder at University Park”
Written by Cheryl Miller Dellasega, PhD
(To be released Aug. 4, 2026)

A brilliant young professor. A powerful advisor with everything to lose. A university campus hiding deadly secrets.

It’s 1998, and Dr. Lacey Redd is on the verge of tenure – and under the thumb of her department chair, the arrogant and celebrated Dr. Geoffrey Hart. When Lacey begins to suspect Hart of falsifying his research, she quietly teams up with a tech-savvy colleague to uncover the truth. But before they can break the case, her partner turns up dead in the campus library.

As Lacey digs deeper, she uncovers something even darker: Hart has been preying on female graduate students for years. When he attacks her at a department party, Lacey fights back – leaving him injured and exposed. A new department head steps in, and with Hart out of the picture, it seems justice has finally been served.

But someone on campus is still watching. And they’ve decided Lacey knows too much.

Recognitions

Laurence M. Demers, PhD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of pathology and medicine, was recognized by his undergraduate alma mater, Merrimack College, North Andover, Mass., with the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award on Sept. 18, 2025, at the College’s annual Evening of Gratitude.

As a graduate, Dr. Demers served on the Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2010 and as chair the last two years.

He and his wife Susan have also established three different scholarships for the undergraduate program at the college and an endowed Professorship in the Life Sciences.

Judith S. Bond, PhD, Evan Pugh Professor Emeritus, was elected as a fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) in April 2025.

This honor is for “members who have demonstrated sustained excellence in scientific research, education, mentorship, commitment to diversity, and service to both ASBMB and the broader scientific community. This recognition is reserved for the most distinguished members in our society.”

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