The Light Fantastic
Physicists describe the wave-particle duality of light. At Jefferson, faculty explore another duality in light—between health and art.
We Are One Jefferson
Jefferson University’s 2017 merger with Philadelphia University has created an innovative institution, blazing new trails in education.
More From This Issue
Question & Innovate
Renowned portrait photographer Platon discusses his shift from photographing world leaders to everyday people, his mission to cure society’s amnesia, and the importance of creativity with guest interviewer Bon Ku, MD.
Time Machine
In the 1950s, Thomas Edman ’48, alumnus and then-chair of Textile’s knitting department, worked with Dr. Michael DeBakey, a pioneer cardiologist at Baylor University, to develop novel arterial replacements for heart surgery.
From the Nexus
Bohemian Soul, Rock N’ Roll
When local recording artist Gina Zo landed an invite to music’s grand event, the Grammys, she turned to a Jefferson fashion design student and a recent alumna to create a ‘coming-of-age’ look.
JeffSolves Brings Medicine and Design Together to Improve Patient Care
Architecture & Physical Therapy Students Collaborate to Improve Health & Community Engagement
Middle East Fellowship Forever Changes Nursing Professor
Ram Roundup
Rams Rise Up! Jefferson Donors Rise to the Challenge
Jefferson Athletics surpassed their fundraising goal during fourth annual Rams Rise Up Challenge, raising $109,001 for their 17 Division II sports teams.
Alumni Spotlight: Christian Burns, Men’s Basketball 2005-07
Former Philadelphia University basketball player Christian Burns recalls his journey from a “late bloomer” to DII Player of the Year to representing Italy at the 2017 European Championships.
A “Slam Dunk”—55 Years in the Making
Thomas Jefferson University recently named its gym the "Coach Herb Magee Arena" in honor of the beloved coach’s 55-year career and 1,144 victories.
Field of Dreams
Jefferson Rams softball standout Cayla Kalani fulfilled a lifelong dream as a ball girl for the Phillies, working on the field during their 2022 championship season and World Series run.
Reimagine
Paying It Forward
Charles Mond ’69, a successful businessman and graduate of Jefferson’s School of Business, has generously endowed a scholarship to support students in the School of Business, helping to advance the University’s goal of equity in education.
Introducing the Philip J. Kodroff ’82 Fashion Merchandising & Management Studio
Named in honor of a late alumnus, this new studio will complement students’ hands-on, project-oriented work and action research with industry connections.
Class Notes
Robin Shaner, Fashion Design ’97
Shaner had her costumes and photographs on exhibit at the Washington County Arts Council (Hagerstown, Maryland) in October 2022. Shaner has been the costume designer at Hagerstown Community College for nearly 30 years.
Jesse Balcer, Psychology ’98
After coaching the men's basketball program from 2003-2019, Balcer is currently the director of athletics at Chestnut Hill College, a Division II College in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. Balcer has three kids, Isabella, 25, Jesse Jr., 21, and Angelina, 17, and is married to Natalie Martinez-Balcer. They reside in Andorra, Pennsylvania.
Giavonna Pittman, Web Design & Development ’21
Pittman recently completed a 10-month internship with the Philadelphia Eagles as a web developer for the 2021-2022 Season, from Training Camp to this past year's draft. She is currently working as a user interface designer with a Canadian startup with clients in professional sports from the NFL to the Premier League.
Share your story!
Where have you been? What have you been up to? Tell us what’s new—jobs, weddings, moves across the country. Share your story with fellow alumni by submitting a Class Note for an upcoming issue of Jefferson Innovator.
President’s Column
Mark L. Tykocinski, MD, reflects on the success of merging Jefferson and Philadelphia University five years ago, creating a professions-focused institution of higher learning, bursting with new concepts, novel initiatives, and pioneering programs.