John Bodkin II, M.D. '76, of East Amherst, Volunteer Recognition Medal

For more than a decade, John Bodkin has been a loyal and dedicated volunteer for the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The family practitioner began his volunteer service in 1997 as a member of the Medical Alumni Association (MAA) governing board, executing successful student programs such as the mentoring program and community physician luncheons. He has served as treasurer, vice president and president, and has remained on the board as an emeritus member, providing leadership to younger alumni.

Bodkin's hard work and dedication have enhanced the reputation of the MAA and interested in others to participate on the governing board. Under his leadership as chair of the medical school's "Practice Giving" scholarship campaign, there has been a significant increase in both contributions and donors to the MAA Endowed Scholarship Fund. Bodkin also helps alumni plan class reunions, and as a reunion chair himself, he encourages others to join him as a James Platt White Society member, with a gift of $1,000 or more each year until their next reunion. In addition, Bodkin serves as chair of the Buffalo Physician magazine, is a member of the Dean's Advisory Council and in 2004 was named one of Western New York's "Best Docs" in Buffalo Spree magazine.