Cancer Services nominates Calinski for leadership award

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Diane Calinski, a Manchester University faculty member, is nominated for the David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award.

She was nominated for her work with Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana by Dianne May, president and CEO, and Bradly Bertsch, board chair at the nonprofit that works to enhance the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

Calinski is vice chair of pharmaceutical sciences and an associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacogenomics at Manchester’s Fort Wayne campus. 

“I was drawn to Cancer Services because I wanted to connect my pharmacy students to community services that specifically help individuals with cancer and their loved ones,” she said. 

In 2016 and 2017 Calinski assisted in providing educational programs to Cancer Services clients and in 2017-18 served as a Cancer Services board intern.  In 2018, she officially joined the board and subsequently joined the board Executive Committee as secretary in 2020. 

She serves on the board Development Committee, which identifies and recruits board members and helps facilitate relationships among board members.  She is currently a mentor for new board members, helping them become familiar with the organization and the board’s governance. 

During the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, Calinski served on the ad hoc Safety Task Force, which met weekly to discuss strategies and policies that focused on the safety and well-being of Cancer Services staff and clients. 

The Safety Task Force reviewed government mandates and guidelines as well as the most current news regarding COVID-19 while creating a plan for reopening Cancer Services.

The Foellinger Foundation will announce the winner Oct. 28. This award recognizes a current or recently retired board member who has demonstrated excellence in nonprofit board leadership.

For the media
Diane M. Calinski bio and contact information
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana

Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester

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October 2020