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UTHSC plans yearlong observance of African-American achievement

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will celebrate 50 Years of African-American Achievement throughout 2011 as a way to recognize the accomplishments of African-American alumni and students. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will celebrate 50 Years of African-American Achievement throughout 2011 as a way to recognize the accomplishments of African-American alumni and students.

The celebration is being held in conjunction with other campuses within the University of Tennessee system. This year is especially significant for UTHSC since the main campus in Memphis is marking its centennial anniversary in 2011: 100 years advancing the future of health care.

“UTHSC has demonstrated a consistent commitment to diversity since the desegregation of the Health Science Center and the Geier Consent Decree,” said UTHSC Chancellor Steve Schwab. “We continue to be progressive in supporting equal opportunities for African-Americans to succeed in all areas of our institution – from student enrollment and retention, to hiring and retention of faculty and staff.”

During the year-long celebration, UTHSC will also focus on encouraging African-American alumni and student interactions, and on building African-American alumni relations – namely participation, volunteerism and networking – through a series of events that will include:

The Black Student Association (BSA) Awards Ball: The official kick-off event for 50 Years of African American Achievement will feature Alvin Crawford, MD, the first African-American graduate (1964) from the UTHSC College of Medicine, as keynote speaker.  The location for the ball is the Memphis Marriott Downtown on Saturday, February 26. The reception begins at 6 p.m. (cash bar), followed by the dinner and awards ball at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $35 each for UTHSC students and $45 each for UTHSC faculty, staff and the public. For more information, contact Elise at 901-448-5618 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

A Celebration Luncheon: On Saturday, May 28, a noon luncheon will be held to recognize new African-American graduates from UTHSC’s spring commencement as well as their families. The event will also acknowledge UT alumni who work as administrators and faculty at UTHSC. African-American students who are graduates from other UT campuses will also be invited.  The luncheon is free for new graduates and UT alumni.  The cost is $20 per ticket for all other faculty, staff and the members of the public.  The luncheon is $15 for UTHSC students.

A Wine Down Reception: On Friday, Sept. 16, the Soulsville/Stax Museum will be the site for alumni and student guests to gather for a wine reception with hors d’oeuvres, live music and a museum tour. The event will recognize African-American Achievements at UTHSC. It’s also designed to encourage networking between alumni and students, in addition to encouraging participants to become more involved with UTHSC Alumni Affairs and the UT Alumni Association through volunteering, fund­raising and networking. The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The reception is $20 per ticket for UTHSC faculty and staff, and $15 for UTHSC students.

UTHSC Diversity Day: This African-American college student recruitment program will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, on the UTHSC main campus in Memphis.

(For more information, contact the UTHSC Office of Equity and Diversity at 901 448-2112; by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.uthsc.edu/oed/50years.php.)