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Nominations sought for Levi Watkins Jr. awards; annual lecture set for Oct. 8

Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. (Vanderbilt University)

Nominations are now being sought for the annual Levi Watkins Jr. Faculty Award and Levi Watkins Jr. Student Awards.

About the Faculty Award

This award is presented annually to at least one member of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine faculty or administration who has made outstanding contributions to the institution in fostering the opportunities for underrepresented minorities in our educational or research programs.

The award also recognizes individuals who have contributed to increasing diversity at the Medical School.

About the Student Awards

This award will be presented annually to at least one graduate student and one medical student associated with Vanderbilt University School of Medicine who have made outstanding contributions to the institution in fostering a more diverse environment that is enriching, encouraging and embracing of all Vanderbilt medical school students, faculty and administrators.

Please send letters of nomination for both the faculty and student awards to Lashonda Moore, Office for Diversity Affairs, lashonda.m.moore@vumc.org, no later than Sept. 27.

About Levi Watkins Jr.

Levi Watkins Jr., MD’70, made significant contributions toward increasing opportunities for underrepresented minorities in the sciences. A distinguished physician and researcher, Watkins became the first African American student to be admitted to VUSM in 1966. He graduated in 1970 and was selected as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He continued his training at Johns Hopkins and Harvard. Watkins embodied the attributes important to serving as a renowned role model for those who pursue careers in medicine and the biomedical sciences.

Save the date

The Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Lecture will be held at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in Light Hall, Room 208.