On March 30, 2010 the Connecticut Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) celebrated its fifth Annual State Leadership Conference at Southern Connecticut State University. This event attracted over 150 high school students, faculty and health professionals from around the state.

Dr. Patricia Walker, Dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, was one of several mentors and supporters of the Connecticut HOSA chapters who was selected to receive a Connecticut HOSA Medal of Honor award.

HOSA is a national student organization that has over 100,000 members and promotes career opportunities in the health care industry.