Harmony Stanger recognized by national AOA organization

Photo above: (left to right) Elliot Davidson, M.D. (’82), AOA Faculty Councilor, Harmony Stanger, M.B.A., and David Sperling, M.D. (’85), AOA Faculty Member

Congratulations to Harmony Stanger, M.B.A., on receiving the National Chapter Administrator Support Award from Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA). This national award honors the invaluable work performed by administrative personnel in support of a local chapter. 

Stanger was recognized at the NEOMED Zeta Chapter of AOA induction ceremony on Monday, March 2. Fourth-year medical student Shaarav Ghose, current AOA president, shared a few words about why Stanger is so deserving of this award:

 “Harmony plays an essential role in every aspect of our chapter's success. From working closely with the registrar to determine student eligibility, to contacting applicants, maintaining and updating policies and procedures, and facilitating selection meetings for junior, senior and faculty/resident/alumni members, she ensures that every process is conducted with integrity and precision. She also coordinates our annual induction ceremony and numerous planning meetings throughout the year.

 “Beyond logistics, Harmony embodies the spirit of AOA. As one esteemed faculty member shared, ‘Harmony is extremely organized and efficient. She is tremendously reliable. I have never had a task for which she was responsible drop through the cracks. She is extremely patient and unflappable. She encounters situations that are frustrating with calmness and understanding. She always puts the student first. I know she gives up many evenings and family time for meetings to support not only AOA, but the many other organizations and curricular elements she supports. Most importantly, Harmony is unfailingly kind and considerate. She has a smile on her face for everyone and is extremely approachable. In a few words, the NEOMED Zeta Chapter of AOA would not be what it is without Harmony.’ That reflection captures what so many of us have experienced firsthand.

“Personally, working with her this year, I have seen her attend our monthly meetings even while on vacation and outside of working hours—something none of us asked her to do, but something she chose to do because she genuinely cares. She serves as a liaison with national AOA leadership, supports fundraising and service initiatives, and represents both AOA and NEOMED with professionalism and warmth. For her unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and commitment to students and NEOMED, Harmony is profoundly deserving of the National AOA Chapter Administrator Award and its included $500 gift certificate. Simply put, our chapter would not be what it is without her. For these reasons, we are honored and proud to present her with the National AOA Chapter Administrator Award. Harmony, congratulations on this recognition and thank you for everything you do for NEOMED."

2026 Inductees

Also during the ceremony, 36 College of Medicine students and 10 faculty members, residents and alumni were welcomed into the NEOMED Zeta Chapter of AOA. The keynote address was provided by Rupesh Raina, M.D., pediatric nephrologist and professor of internal medicine at NEOMED.

Election to Alpha Omega Alpha signifies a lasting commitment to scholarship, leadership, professionalism and service. Membership in the society confers recognition of someone’s dedication to the profession and art of healing.

Congratulations to the newest Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Zeta Chapter inductees!

Student inductees include:

Senior inductees into AOA pose together with their certificated

Senior inductees

  • Nathaniel Abdelnour
  • Emily Arellano
  • Adiaratou Ba
  • Sydney Bitting
  • Maximilian Dawson
  • Mustafa Husein
  • Saichidroopi Korada
  • Samantha Perry
  • Brandon Petrovich
  • John Wenger

Junior AOA inductees pose together with their certificates

Junior inductees

  • Abdullah Ali
  • Sarah Apte
  • Julianna Bailey
  • Hunter Block-Beach
  • Matthew Bonfiglio
  • Umida Burkhanova
  • Mason Covel
  • Nathan Cuttica
  • Madeline Evan
  • Pete Jordanides
  • Alexander Keith
  • Alexie Kindy
  • Michael Kowalski
  • Christine Lo Verde
  • Ryan Muakkassa
  • Isaiah Murray
  • Nariaki Nakamura
  • Sabrina Sadr
  • Julianna Sandine
  • Jian Shi
  • Ethan Sontz
  • Jeffrey Toman
  • Mark Villers
  • Colton Wade
  • Elizabeth Whetstone
  • Alex You

AOA Faculty, Alumni, and Residents
Faculty, Alumni and Resident Inductees

  • John Abdelnour, M.D.
  • Jennifer Baccon, M.D., Ph.D., M.H.C.M.
  • Viraj Bhatt, M.D.
  • Danielle Cooper, M.D. (‘00)
  • Rahul Damania, M.D. (‘16)
  • Jason Kolb, M.D.
  • Farid Muakkassa, M.D.
  • Christopher Page-Goertz, M.D.
  • Joseph Posluszny, M.D.
  • Tyler Stumm, M.D.

Gallery

AOA officers and inductees pose in front of a NEOMED backdrop Current NEOMED AOA officers pose in front of a NEOMED backdrop Senior AOA inductees stand together in front of a NEOMED backdrop Man in suit walks toward podium to receive a certificate. Screen in the background shows a slide of Nathaniel Abdelnour Six people in business attire pose in front of a NEOMED backdrop

March 6, 2026
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