George Howard, Dr.PH., former chair of the UAB Department of Biostatistics, will be presented with the 2011 President’s Medal during this year’s Fall Commencement ceremony. Howard is the project principal investigator for the largest population-based investigation of its kind, the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke project, and has devoted much of his career to understanding the reasons African-Americans and Southerners are at such extraordinary risk for stroke.

The UAB President’s Medal is designed to recognize individuals who have attained scholarly distinction and/or have rendered distinguished service to UAB. Recipients are selected by the President of UAB upon the advice and recommendation of senior university officials. Selection as the recipient of this medal is one of the highest honors bestowed by UAB.  Dr. Howard is the first Public Health faculty member to receive this medal.

The award is comprised of an antique brass medallion and plaque, suitably inscribed, mounted in a cherry stand. The UAB President’s Medal is awarded at a commencement ceremony.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham will hold its fall commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, in Bartow Arena, 617 13th St. South.

Please join the School of Public Health and UAB in congratulation Dr. George Howard.