Chief of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Michigan; Vice-Chair and Professor of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1998
Citation:
As the first African-American female neurosurgeon, you have established a national reputation as a leader in education, research and teaching. Your single-minded devotion to advancement in your field has been evident since the early years of your education, when you began earning accolades for your skill and acuity. A substantial list of honors and awards attests to your exceptional professional abilities as well as your enduring commitment to community initiatives. Your awards include citations in the Top 100 Business and Professional Women on America and the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. You have earned the American Medical Women's Association President's Award, the Wayne State University Medical School Distinguished Service Award, the March of Dimes Humanitarian of the Year Award, the Mercy Medallion from Mercy College of Detroit, and the Michigan Women's Foundation Women of Achievement and Courage Award, among many other honors. Your innovative and exceptional work toward alleviating neurological disorders in children has earned numerous grants during the past 20 years, adding depth and value to the body of published research in the area. Your memberships and offices in dozens of professional societies and committees further substantiate your dedication to advancement in the fields of medicine and neurosurgery. Through your professional accomplishments and commitment to civic activity, you have been an exemplary role model for colleagues, students, youth, and African American women. Your unselfish contributions of time and expertise within community settings have fostered an environment of achievement, aspirations and service. In recognition of your lifelong contributions in the demanding field of neurosurgery and within the community, the University of Detroit Mercy is proud to confer upon you an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 9, 1998.