Memorial Tree Honors Biochemistry Professor
Class of 2023 board officers Aneil Tawakalzada, Harsh Patel, Heather Silverstein, Aakangsha Jain, Ruth Antony, Alexandra Gabro, and Ted Frederic pose in front of the memorial oak tree.
In April, students from NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) honored the memory of longtime NSU biochemistry professor Ronald E. Block, Ph.D., M.S., who passed away on March 26, by purchasing and planting an oak tree in front of the Terry Building. The tree planting was livestreamed on social media so KPCOM students could view the event in a COVID-safe manner.
“Dr. Block was a compassionate, brilliant individual who dedicated his life to the KPCOM students,” said second-year student and class of 2023 president Aneil Tawakalzada. “We are grateful for the opportunity to honor his legacy in this meaningful way.”
In addition to the tree-planting ceremony, the students hosted a separate Zoom event all KPCOM students and faculty members could participate in. The event included one minute of silence to honor Block and also provided opportunities for the students and faculty members to share their personal experiences about the popular professor.
“It was an incredible feeling to have our KPCOM community come together to give back to someone who influenced and inspired us all,” said second-year student Harsh Patel, who was instrumental in leading the tree-planting initiative.