2008

Gino Salerno ’88, Fine Arts and Biology, Wichita, Kan.

Gino Salerno, who earned undergraduate degrees in Fine Arts and Biology at Newman also holds an M.L.S. in Library Science from Emporia State University and is a graduate of Wichita State University’s physician’s assistant program. Frequently referred to as a Renaissance man for his broad range of interests, Gino has worked as a teacher, artist, author, musician and a compassionate care-giver. In his current role as a physician’s assistant for Hunter Health Clinic, Gino has become closely acquainted with the dilemmas faced by Wichita’s homeless persons and has written and produced two feature-length documentary films to share their ideas for change. The first, “Addresslessness,” recently earned the Laurel Award from the Orlando Film Festival. The second, just released, follows one homeless man’s year-long effort to find and sustain employment. Gino is recognized for his service to humanity by giving this voice to the voiceless in an effort to unveil truth and affect change.