President’s Philanthropy Champion Awards 2023
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EVMS presented its President’s Philanthropy Champion Awards during the 2023 EVMS Service & Recognition Awards Ceremony on Nov. 15 at Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
President’s Staff Achievement Awards — Staff Philanthropy Champion
The Staff Philanthropy Champion Award recognizes a full-time staff member who goes beyond his or her regular job duties to demonstrate a continued commitment to the EVMS Foundation by way of interaction with current and/or prospective donors and serving as an ambassador of philanthropy for the institution.
Kela Cowan-Gant, MA
Assistant Director for Engagement, Office of Education
As Assistant Director of Engagement for the School of Medicine, Kela Cowan-Gant is a fantastic Development partner. She has helped the department — and EVMS — successfully steward the donors of the Health Sciences Academy. She provides key information regarding the program and invites supporters to attend student presentations. In her demeanor and actions, Cowan-Gant is a respected and trusted representative of EVMS philanthropy and a valued supporter of the EVMS Fund.
“Please accept my sincere appreciation for this honor,” says Cowan-Gant. “I thank you all for the support, guidance and teamwork that has helped make our program a continued success!”
President’s Faculty Achievement Awards — Faculty Philanthropy Champion
The Faculty Philanthropy Champion Award recognizes a faculty member who goes beyond his or her regular job duties to demonstrate a continued commitment to the EVMS Foundation by way of interaction with current and/or prospective donors and serving as an ambassador of philanthropy for the institution.
O. John Semmes, PhD
Director, Leroy T. Canoles, Jr. Cancer Research Center
Professor, Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology
O. John Semmes, PhD, has been a longtime partner of the Development and Alumni Relations teams. As Director of the Leroy T. Canoles, Jr. Cancer Research Center, he regularly attends community events on behalf of EVMS and provides timely information about the innovative work at the Center. Dr. Semmes is an esteemed partner in these efforts and a valued contributor in his own right to the EVMS Fund.
“I would like to thank each of the hard-working professionals in Development who made my contributions possible,” says Dr. Semmes.
View the complete list of award winners.
View the event photo gallery.
Pictured at top: Alfred Abuhamad, MD, President, Provost and Dean of the School of Medicine (left), with Staff Philanthropy Champion Award recipient Kela Cowan-Gant.