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Associated Alumni

Alumni Award of Distinction

Recognizing the significant contributions made by alumni to their local communities and beyond for which they have been recognized regionally, nationally or internationally.

Dr. Alan Cherrington (BSc ’67)

Dr. Alan Cherrington

Dr. Alan Cherrington is a professor at Vanderbilt University in both the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and in the Department of Medicine. He currently holds the Jacquelyn A. Turner and Dr. Dorothy J. Turner Chair in Diabetes Research and is a passionate researcher, mentor and educator.

Over the years, Cherrington’s work has defined the effects of various hormonal and neuronal factors on liver glucose metabolism. Most recently, he’s examined the role they play in regulating glucose production during stressful situations such as exercise, hypoglycemia, illness, or injury, and is working to bridge the gap between academia and the pharmaceutical sector.

He has published nearly 300 peer-review papers and served as President of the American Diabetes Association. As the first non-medical physician to hold this position, Cherrington travelled extensively across the globe to educate people on the rapid spread of diabetes.

Widely recognized in his field, Cherrington has received numerous professional honours, including the Lilly Award, the Rachmiel Levine Award and the Banting Medal for Service from the American Diabetes Association, the David Rumbough Award from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the R.E. Heist Award from the University of Toronto and the Charles R. Park Faculty Award for Research from Vanderbilt University.

Cherrington has not only made global impact in his field of study, but is also making an impact on his alma mater. Through the creation of the Cherrington Family Scholarship, Cherrington is inspiring young minds and giving future generations of UNB alumni the opportunity to study science and nursing.