MSM Celebrates Landmark Inauguration
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) made history with the landmark inauguration of Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D., as its sixth president. In a spirit-filled formal ceremony on Sept. 11, 2014, the Office of President was officially conferred upon Dr. Montgomery Rice, the first female president of the prestigious institution. Several dignitaries and renown individuals including Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, Ambassador Andrew Young, Georgia Tech President George P. “Bud” Petersen, Ph.D., Vivian Pinn, M..D of Women’s Health Advocates & Voices, Association of American Medical Colleges President Darrell Kirch, M.D., and CaroMonth Health’s Ramada Smith, M.D., brought greetings to a packed audience of more than 1,500 in the famed Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel on the campus of Morehouse College. MSM past presidents Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., and Dr. John E. Maupin Jr., D.D.S., participated in this very special occasion along with many other board, alumni, and friends of Morehouse School of Medicine. View the investiture program.
Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice delivered a 21st Century vision for continuing the legacy of Morehouse School of Medicine. Her impactful speech touched on the importance of closing the health gap, positioning Morehouse School of Medicine as a recognized leader and creating health equity. Click here to read her speech in its entirety.
Three-Day Focus On Scholarship
The inauguration events maintained a keen focus on funding the Presidential Scholarship. To date more than $2.8 million have been raised to support MSM’s primary goal of educating leaders in science, medicine, and public health. Dr. Montgomery Rice so poignantly stated in her inaugural address, “I have been extremely vocal about this inauguration focusing on raising money for scholarships to support our students thereby decreasing the debt they incur to attend Morehouse School of Medicine.” She continued, “On average, our students come from families with household incomes of $45,000 when the average medical student in this country comes from a family whose household income is $175,000.” As a result of this fact, Dr. Montgomery Rice solicited hundreds of alumni and friends to help raise funds for the Presidential Scholarship Initiative. Driving this point home, the 2014 Fall Convocation & White Coat Ceremony, where MSM welcomed 129 new students and featured donors and scholarship recipients, was the opening event of the three-day family-focused celebration.
Beyond the Walls of MSM: Community Engagement
Community outreach played a central role in the inaugural activities. The campus opened its doors on Sat., Sept. 13, to hundreds of families and children for a Healthy Living Community Engagement Day health and wellness fair. Health screenings, fitness classes, and public forums on women’s empowerment, leadership, and health equity capped a full day of activity on campus. Local radio station V103 broadcasted live from the campus. A wonderful time was had by all. On Friday, Sept. 12, Dr. Montgomery Rice took to the streets performing community service with corporate partners in several locations throughout Atlanta, including Truly Living Well, JA (Junior Achievement) BizTown with Wells Fargo, Connally Elementary School, and Good Shepard Community Church West End Community Garden.