A sugar crab apple tree was planted on the Kent State University at Salem Campus and recently dedicated to the memory of Roy and Shirlee Bell, founders of the radiologic technology program on the campus.
In 1985, Roy Bell transferred the hospital-based certificate program from Northern Columbiana County Community Hospital (now known as Salem Regional Medical Center) to an associate of applied science degree in radiologic technology program. He served as the program director from 1985 to 1992.
Shirlee Bell, Roy’s wife, served as a faculty member and later served as the program director from 1994 to 1995. The Bells served as mentors to the program’s faculty members beyond their years of employment at Kent State Salem.
The plaque placed in front of the tree states: “By Your Own Pupil You Will Be Taught,” the title of one of Shirlee Bell’s lectures.
Taking part in the dedication ceremony were Dr. David Dees, dean and chief administrative officer of the Salem Campus; Jan Gibson, senior director of the radiology programs at Kent State Salem; Cynthia Peterson, the first graduate of the Kent State Salem radiologic technology program and now director of the diagnostic medical sonography program; Judy Miller, clinical coordinator; Kelly Dragomir, radiologic technology and CT faculty member; and Margie Iagulli, faculty of radiologic technology.
The radiologic technology program at Kent State Salem has graduated nearly 800 students and the campus now offers a bachelor’s degree in radiologic and imaging sciences.
Cutline: Dedicating a tree on the Kent State Salem Campus in memory of Roy and Shirlee Bell were (from left) Cynthia Peterson, Jan Gibson, Judy Miller, Dr. David Dees, Kelly Dragomir and Margie Iagulli