NSU Horizons Spring 2014

a result of the dramatic and continuing changes in social organization, working habits, and personal life that began two centuries ago, at the advent of the Industrial Revolution. “Most people used to live in a village social organization,” he said. “Today, people may feel isolated, and may be isolated. Ongoing stress, now that we work all the time, is a problem. Changes in family, social organization, and the decline of the intergenera- tional family all increase the stress that causes depression.” One of Ownby’s passions is teaching medical students, in part because the increase in mood disorders means “the vast majority of mental health care” is delivered not by a psychiatrist, but by a primary care physician. “I’m very committed to medical education,” he said. “I’m always thrilled when a medical student goes into psychiatry. Last year, we had eight. But I like to teach physicians, too. They are the first people consulted for anxiety and depression.” Ownby and his team received a $1.35-million federal grant to create innovative methods to evaluate patients’ health literacy— the knowledge and capacity to participate in your own health care. He pioneered research into medication adherence among HIV patients. “Adherence and health literacy are critically important aspects of delivering health care,” Ownby said. “The changes in the health care system force people to take more and more responsibility for their own care.” n Raymond Ownby stresses the importance of people maintaining their health literacy. around NSU Philanthropists Winifred and Joseph Amaturo were awarded the President’s Award for Excellence in Community Service at NSU’s annual Celebration of Excellence, an event with special significance as NSU celebrates its 50th anniversary. Established in 1997, the President’s Award for Excellence in Community Service recognizes extraordinary professional engagement activities by a member of the South Florida com- munity. The award encourages the ongoing pursuit of service and exemplifies NSU’s community core value. Winifred Amaturo is president of the Amaturo Family Founda- tion, which funds education, medical research, and the arts, including an advanced reading program for more than 5,000 children in Broward County. Joseph Amaturo is a prominent entrepreneur having owned and managed 22 radio and television stations and served as chair- man of Muvico Theaters, Inc. He is active in both his family foundation and community organizations such as the Broward County Performing Arts Center, YMCA, United Way of Broward County, and Urban League. In 1994, NSU inducted Joseph Amaturo into the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Hall of Fame to honor his outstanding busi- ness achievements. He was honored with NSU’s first Doctor of Commerce Honorary Citation by Abraham S. Fischler, one of NSU’s previous presidents, in 1998. “As we celebrate NSU’s 50th anniversary, it is fitting that we honor two members of our family who helped us get to where we are today,” said George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU’s presi- dent and CEO, in presenting the award. n celebration of excellence Above, George L. Hanbury II, NSU president and CEO, presents the President’s Award to Winifred and Joseph Amaturo. 25 HORIZONS