Colby-Sawyer College Elects Alumna to Board of Trustees
Colby-Sawyer College’s Board of Trustees has elected Maria Cīmpean ’13 to serve a one-year term as a Winton-Black Trustee, a distinction normally given to alumni who have graduated between three and nine years prior to election. She will begin her term immediately.
Cīmpean grew up in Ludus, a town in central Romania, and graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in biology and a minor in chemistry. She studied for one semester in Strasbourg, France, was a Wesson Honors Scholar and a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, and she was on the Dean's List every semester. An active member of the student community, she served as president of the Cross Cultural Club and vice president of the Biology Club. She was also an Admissions tour guide, an orientation leader for the Class of 2014, a peer tutor, laboratory assistant for organic chemistry, an international student mentor and a resident assistant.
Cīmpean distinguished herself in her study of biology and was an undergraduate research assistant and laboratory manager in the NH-INBRE (IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence) grant. Working with Professor of Natural Sciences Bill Thomas, Ph.D., on cadherinbased cell to cell adhesion, she and two other research assistants presented their research at a poster session at the inaugural NH-INBRE conference held in 2011, the first of many times she presented her work as an undergraduate. Cīmpean received the Guy Floyd Williams award, presented to a graduating senior majoring in a science who has helped to maintain and perpetuate the ideals of the college during the student’s years at Colby-Sawyer and who, through appropriate conduct, scholarship and decorum, has exemplified the spirit of the college.
Since graduating, Cīmpean has served as the class correspondent for the Class of 2013 and has pursued her interests in biomedical and translational research at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. She is a technical research assistant and studies neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of work, Cīmpean has volunteered with the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston for nearly two years and as an English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) teacher at Rosie's Place, an organization that helps poor and homeless women.
Cīmpean resides in Brookline, Mass.
About Colby-Sawyer College
Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. The College's faculty, staff and students strive for excellence in an engaged teaching and learning community that fosters students' academic, intellectual, and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on learning outcomes, including breadth and depth of knowledge, self-growth, creative and critical thinking, and effective communication, Colby-Sawyer prepares students to thrive post-graduation and make a positive impact upon a dynamic, diverse, and interdependent world.
Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the College's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu.
