NEOMED Honors Judith Barnes Lancaster with Honorary Degree

Canton’s Lancaster honored for decades of service and leadership to students

Northeast Ohio Medical University has honored Judith Barnes Lancaster, Esq., with the honorary degree, Doctor of Science Honoris Causa, in recognition of her dedicated service to improve the health, economy and quality of life of the diverse communities of Northeast Ohio.

Lancaster was presented with the honorary degree on May 20, 2017 during NEOMED’s 37^th Commencement ceremony, which conferred degrees to 225 of Ohio’s newest physicians, pharmacists, public health and other medical professionals.

Lancaster has been a major contributor to NEOMED’s success, serving as chair of the NEOMED Foundation and co-chair of the University’s Shine On Campaign, a comprehensive fundraising effort focused on raising $40 million to advance students, innovation and research, and community health. She also served on NEOMED’s Board of Trustees from 2009-2011.

“If I were to simply list the various ways in which Judith Barnes Lancaster has contributed to the advancement of our students, you would immediately know she holds a special place in the hearts of many at NEOMED,” said Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of NEOMED. “As if time and treasure were not enough, Judith manages to serve as a leader to administrators and board members, a mentor to students and a friend to the community.”

In 2007, Ms. Lancaster created the Judith E. Barnes Lancaster Diversity Student Scholarship for a deserving NEOMED student. The Judith E. Barnes Lancaster, Esq. Campus Gateway, which connects two buildings on the NEOMED campus and highlights an esplanade for students walking to and from classes, was named in her honor in 2015.