The Raymond L. Gardner Alumnus of the Year Award is given annually to the Phi Alumnus who has made the most significant contributions in the three following areas: Fraternity service, service to higher education, and community involvement.

The 2008 Gardner Alumnus of the Year, Dr. Larry G. Baratta, is recognized for a lifetime of service within Phi Delta Theta and throughout the world. Although many view being a founding father quite an accomplishment, when Larry was initiated in 1979 as Bond #2 of the Florida Theta Chapter at the University of Tampa, he was merely beginning his career in Phi Delta Theta. After serving his own chapter as president and vice president, Larry has served both New Jersey Alpha and Florida Delta as president of their respective House Corporations and as chairman of their respective Chapter Advisory Boards. Additionally, he served as both a director and vice president for the Fort Lauderdale Alumni Club, the club that nominated him for this award.

While Dr. Baratta has an impressive resume within Phi Delta Theta, his accomplishments outside of the Fraternity are outstanding. In 1988, after receiving his MD from Northwestern University and PHD in neuro-psychology from LaSalle University, he was given the highest honor bestowed by the government of the Philippines, Honorary Citizen and Adopted Son, for his extensive humanitarian work over a six year period. This included establishing two foundations, one for medical clinics and the other for scholarships to deserving Filipino students. In 2001, Dr. Baratta published his first book, “A Compendium of Degenerative Brain Diseases.” More recently, in 2007, Larry continued his service when he was awarded a Federal government contract from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the Department of Defense to provide a solution to the numerous wound problems and challenges in VA hospitals throughout the world. Dr. Baratta is currently an International consultant for wound management and establishes new best practices programs that are used worldwide. He is working in Saudi Arabia to help the immense wound problem due to the complications of diabetes. This program impacts 10 million patients in Saudi Arabia.

Domestically, Dr. Baratta has served as a Member of the Board of the ALSA Florida chapter and chairman of the Patient Services Committee since 2004.

Congratulations to Dr. Larry G. Baratta for winning the 2008 Gardner Alumnus of the Year award!