President Danielle Ripich receives American Heart Association Crystal Heart Award

Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., president of the University of New England, received a 2015 Crystal Heart Award for her leadership and dedication to improving the heart health of the community at the American Heart Association (AHA) Go Red for Women Luncheon. The event took place on March 10, 2015 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.

UNE Trustee Emeritus Robert McAfee, M.D., HON’94, who serves as chair of the UNE "Moving Forward" campaign, also received a Crystal Heart Award at the event. 

The Crystal Heart Award recognizes individuals who work to further the AHA’s mission “to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.” The University of New England has also been a past recipient of AHA research grants to support research that will help better understand how to treat and rehabilitate stroke patients.

“The American Heart Association’s effort to improve the health and wellness of our communities is exemplary,” said Ripich. “I feel extremely honored to receive this award, but even more honored to continue supporting this organization’s mission.”

The Go Red Luncheon is an annual event held to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke risk in women and to advocate for research and prevention. The event included presentations from educational speakers, a silent auction, health-screenings and more.