School of Medicine establishes endowed fund to combat racial inequality
September 9, 2020UofL medical faculty leaders have pledged $50,000 toward a $1 million goal to address long-standing racial inequities in medical education.
The University of Louisville School of Medicine’s Endowed Excellence Fund for Diversity has been established by several department chairs to address systemic racism. This is in response to UofL President Neeli Bendapudi’s challenge asking for ideas and support in making UofL the nation’s premier anti-racist metropolitan research university.
"I am proud and deeply grateful for the leadership of these faculty who are using their philanthropic and other financial resources to create a fund that will promote diversity at the School of Medicine both now and for the future," said Toni Ganzel, dean of the School of Medicine.
The endowment has been established by:
- Sean Francis, chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women’s Health
- Ronald Gregg, chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- William Guido, chair of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology
- Irving Joshua, chair of Physiology
- Maureen McCall, professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Craig S. Roberts, chair of Orthopaedic Surgery
"This might have more impact at UofL than anything else I have done," Gregg said.
The endowment is expected to be used for scholarships, resident stipends, faculty recruitment and retention packages and other unforeseen opportunities. A dean-appointed selection committee composed of diverse members of the School of Medicine faculty, staff and students will help guide spending decisions.
To learn more about UofL’s anti-racism agenda and diversity efforts, please visit the following websites:
- UofL’s Cardinal Anti-Racist Agenda
- UofL School of Medicine Office of Community Engagement and Diversity
- HSC Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- UofL Office of Diversity and Equity
- Commission on Diversity and Racial Equality
Consider making a gift using the secure online giving page, follow give.louisville.edu/eefd.
Faculty and staff have the option to make contributions by payroll deduction to "UofL Endw Excellence Diversity" Click here for instructions for setting up payroll deduction through ULink.
For questions or to establish a multi-year pledge, please contact University Advancement at 502.852.2794.
Julie oversees digital content for the Office of Communications and Marketing. She began her UofL career on the Health Sciences Center campus in 2007. Prior to this, Julie was a journalist with WFPL (Louisville Public Media), and occasionally filed reports for National Public Radio.
Related News
