August 01, 2006
Almost a year after his documentary “Pharmacists: Unsung
Heroes” premiered on Long Island’s WLIW-TV, St. John’s
University alumnus Roman M. Brygider ‘92CPS was presented with the
American Association of Colleges of
Pharmacy’s (AACP) 2006 Distinguished Service Award in
recognition of “his extraordinary talent and contributions as
senior producer and director of the program.”
The prestigious award, which honors and recognizes individuals
who have made “significant and sustained contributions to
pharmaceutical education,” was last presented in 1997.
Dean Robert A. Mangione, R.Ph., Ed.D., of St. John’s College of
Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, who had collaborated with
Mr. Brygider during the planning stages of “Pharmacists,” was
invited to introduce Mr. Brygider to the attendees of a July
11th AACP banquet, where the award was presented. Dean
Mangione shared the history of their collaboration, and in
particular, remembered “being impressed with [Brygider’s]
commitment to excellence and his deep desire to truly understand
the history, core values, and unique activities that define the
practice of pharmacy….His extensive research and complete
dedication to the project made it very clear to me that we were
most fortunate that WLIW had selected Roman to write, produce, and
direct the program.”
Role of Pharmacists Explored
“Pharmacists: Unsung Heroes,” which premiered in October 2005, has
since been broadcast nationwide by more than 40 PBS-affiliate
stations. It was conceived as a tool to educate viewers about--and
possibly attract potential students to--the field of pharmacy,
which is predicted to experience a shortage of pharmacists in the
near future. A 20-minute version of the hour-long television
program was also created for use in schools with students in grades
9-12.
According to Dean Mangione, “In [“Pharmacists: Unsung Heroes”],
Roman celebrates the history of pharmacy, expertly portrays the
practice of our profession, and truly captures our spirit.”
Mentor Made a Difference
Brygider credits his mentor in St. John’s College of Professional
Studies, former Professor Mary McGee, with setting him on his
career path. Professor McGee--who headed up the TV studio
operations during the time Brygider was studying
Television Journalism at the University--kindled his interest
in public television and introduced him to the “original mission
statement of Edward R. Murrow.” Murrow, he explains, had
“great interest in public TV, and believed that it opened people’s
minds.” For a number of years, the Long Island resident—who
graduated magna cum laude in 1992--has given back to CPS, and the
University, by serving on the Advisory Committee of CPS’ Journalism
program.
His Award-Winning Programs Broadcast
Nationwide
Brygider’s first foray into TV production was the nationally
distributed WLIW-21 series “Health Chronicles,” which provided
viewers with health-care information in an easy-to-understand
format. Since 1991, he has produced 30 primetime programs, and
produced and directed nationally distributed programs, for
PBS. He also produced eight documentaries for PBS’ “American Heritage”
series, which tells the inspiring stories of immigrant groups in
the United States, and was lead producer of the Emmy-Award winning,
“New York The
Way It Was,” which recalls neighborhood life and events
that shaped the boroughs or New York City between the years of 1930
and 1965.
The AACP award for “Pharmacists: Unsung Heroes” is hardly his
first. To date, Brygider’s programs have received: six New York
Emmy Award nominations and three Emmys; two New York Festivals
Silver WorldMedal Awards; a New York Folio Journalism Award; a New
York State Broadcasters Award for Excellence in Broadcasting; and a
Silver Cindy (Cinema in Industry) Award.