PROVIDENCE, R.I. – June 2, 2008 — Cranston resident John O’Leary, director of special programs at the University of Rhode Island’s Feinstein Providence Campus, received the 2008 Professional Appreciation Award from the Central New England chapter of the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science.

The award is presented to an individual outside the biotechnology community who has provided significant support to the industry. O’Leary received the award at the group’s annual convention on May 6 at the Providence Convention Center.

O’Leary was recognized for heading the re-accreditation effort for URI’s graduate program in cytotechnology, working to grow the university’s master’s degree program in clinical laboratory science and biotechnology, and expand the bachelor’s degree program in biotechnology manufacturing.

“This honor is well deserved. John has been extremely important in the development, implementation and management of the programs that provide a well-educated, trained workforce for the biotechnology industry,” said Gregory Paquette, director of biotechnology and clinical laboratory science programs at URI. “Because of his significant contacts with the business, industry and public policy communities in Rhode Island, he has served as a major advocate and champion for all these efforts.”

“I am honored for this recognition,” said O’Leary. “It has been a gratifying experience to see the success of the cytotechnology and Clinical Laboratory Science Programs. I look forward to continued success. Most importantly, I look forward to producing students who will best serve their chosen industries.”