The SC&I Alumni Association has named Gloria Vanderham COM, JMS’00, founder and CEO of Bliss Bio Health, LLC, the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award.

“Gloria Vanderham is a star in the world of health communications and a whirlwind of Scarlet activities and support with her involvement as the chair of the Rutgers University Alumni Association and countless other Rutgers alumni activities. We were honored to present Gloria with the SC&I Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award," said Marty Siederer RC’77, SC&I Alumni Association president.

At Bliss Bio Health, LLC, Vanderham leads the boutique communications and marketing accelerator in its mission to “transform healthcare communications and marketing by leveraging AI-enabled, data-driven insights to create impactful campaigns that bridge the gap from 'Atom to Access.'" Prior to founding Bliss Bio Health in 2023, Vanderham held various communications roles for Novartis Oncology for over 12 years, from 2009 to 2021. In 2020, she was named Regional Head of Communications for Europe for Novartis, a position she held until 2023.

A devoted Scarlet Knight, Gloria leads the Executive Committee of the Rutgers University Alumni Association Board of Directors, advising on various committees and working across the University to advocate for academic excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion, aid for disadvantaged students, and continued recognition of the University’s outstanding research and education. She is an ex-officio member of the Rutgers University Foundation Board, sits on the leadership committee for 50/50 Women on Boards, and is a Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association member.

Vanderham received the award at an evening event held at the Rutgers Club on October 15, 2024.  SC&I Alumni Association COM Representative Board Member and Vice President of Marketing Communications for Quad Alicia Alston COM’91 presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Vanderham. The award presentation was followed by remarks from SC&I Interim Dean Dafna Lemish and Siederer.  A highlight of the event included a “fireside chat,” titled “A Conversation with Gloria Vanderham,” featuring Vanderham and SC&I Professor of Professional Practice and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Journalism and Media Studies, Steven Miller.

“Gloria was, is, and always will be a star,” Miller said. “She was a wonderful and engaged student who has maximized her talents in business and as head of the Rutgers University Alumni Association.  Most importantly, she is a wonderful person who is there for any person or organization with which she is associated.  She has never stopped in her efforts to support the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, SC&I, and Rutgers.  She has accomplished great things and has represented us well.”

SC&I Assistant Dean for Development Blain Bradley added, “I want to commend the SC&I Alumni Association for hosting such a wonderful event. Each year they compile a list of highly accomplished alumni to be considered for this award. Gloria’s accomplishments stood out. Every interaction I’ve had with Gloria has been a pleasure. She is a great steward of SC&I and Rutgers University, and she is a wonderful role model for young women who aspire to be business leaders.”

Learn more about the SC&I Alumni Association on the Rutgers School of Communication and Information website.

Image: Courtesy of the SC&I Alumni Association