UTMB’s Student Government Association has already made its mark on the university, but now it also holds a special place in Galveston’s history.
Now, Nov. 17, 2017, will be known as UTMB Student Government Association Day in the city of Galveston. The group of student leaders were recently recognized by Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough and UTMB President David Callender for their remarkable leadership.
Earlier this year, the Student Government Association voted unanimously to support the Innovations in Mind fundraising initiative at UTMB and has since played a critical role in the first student campaign in the history of UTMB resulting in more than 250 students who have donated to the cause.
“Everyone who has heard about it has said, ‘Wow, that’s amazing, what an incredible group of students and student leaders,’” Callender said to members of the Student Government Association.
The $50 million Innovations in Mind fundraising initiative will partially support construction of the new Health Education Center on the Galveston Campus, help create faculty endowments and student scholarships, and bolster neurodegenerative disorders research.
The 2016-17 Student Government Association gave $115,500 to create eight endowed scholarships--two each in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the School of Health Professions, the School of Nursing, and the School of Medicine.
The association also gave $150,000 to name the UTMB Student Government Association Lobby in the Health Education Center.
“This sets a marvelous example of leadership,” Callender said. “It shows that our student government leaders are really investing in making sure UTMB continues to stand as a great place for health sciences education.”