SOP Employee Recognized with Community Service Award at UM Service Luncheon

PHSR staff member Kal Bikov honored for his commitment to helping others and improving the community.

By Malissa Carroll
April 24, 2013

Kaloyan (Kal) Bikov, BS, information systems engineer in the Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research (PHSR) at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, was named the recipient of this year’s Community Service Award during the Employee Service Awards Luncheon at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, on April 18. This award is presented to employees who have distinguished themselves through dedicated service and volunteerism in their communities.

“Kal is a role model for all of us in PHSR. His work in the community embodies the department’s mission to improve health among diverse populations through research, education, and community outreach,” says Ilene Zuckerman, PharmD, PhD, professor and chair of PHSR. “His mediation and conflict resolution skills are valuable assets, and we are fortunate to have Kal on our staff.”

“Given his superb track record of community service, it is not surprising that Kal has been recognized for this prestigious award,” continues C. Daniel Mullins, PhD, professor in PHSR and Bikov’s supervisor. “In his service activities, as in his work, Kal is interested in understanding others’ concerns and helping to improve their quality of life.”

Corinne Woods, RPh, MPH, research pharmacist in PHSR and one of Bikov’s colleagues, nominated him for the award. “When I saw the call for nominations for the Community Service Award, I immediately thought about Kal,” says Woods. “He is a humble and supportive role model to his colleagues, and I am thrilled that he won. He deserves recognition for his hard work and unselfish motivations.”

Over the years, Bikov has volunteered at a number of community-based organizations. As a volunteer mediator at the Conflict Resolution Center (CRC) of Baltimore County, he helps residents resolve neighborhood disputes, create co-parenting plans, address elder care issues, and improve parent-teen communication. He has successfully mediated disputes between neighbors, homeowners and contractors, and divorced or divorcing parents. Bikov is a member of the CRC’s Speakers’ Bureau and Board of Directors, and represents the organization at public events.

“One of the many rewards I have experienced through volunteering as a mediator is witnessing the evolution in relationships between people who first entered the room as enemies,” says Bikov. “As a mediator, it is my job to give everyone the opportunity to share how they feel, what is important to them, and the concerns that brought them to mediation. I have found that, when people begin to hear and understand the other side of the conflict, a wonderful transformation occurs and they are able to work together to identify a solution.”

Bikov also volunteers as a mediator at the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR), where he helps to resolve incidents related to perceived and real discrimination based on individuals’ race, age, gender, and other protected categories.

At St. Vincent’s Villa, an inpatient facility for kids with family, developmental, or behavioral concerns, Bikov recently volunteered his time as a therapeutic mentor to two boys who experienced traumatic events in their lives. “I gave them some of my time, but I received so much more,” says Bikov.

He also supported an initiative to help teach yoga to children currently residing in the facility.

“I realized that almost everyone experiences something traumatizing during his or her life,” says Bikov. “These experiences can influence us in both positive and negative ways, but we must be more understanding to others, as their experiences often greatly differ from our own.”

Bikov has also served as facilitator during public debates such as One City Summit, which was organized by America Speaks and attended by approximately 1,800 residents in Washington, DC. In 2012, he started volunteering at Gilchrist Hospice as an end-of-life doula, providing companionship and comfort to hospice residents.

“Volunteering can be challenging, but overcoming those challenges can help individuals grow both personally and professionally,” says Bikov. “The biggest rewards come from selfless service; the type of service does not matter. I encourage everyone to find the time to volunteer and selflessly serve their families, employers or employees, or communities.”

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