Morehouse School of Medicine celebrates the generous contributions of Henry "Hank" Aaron -- as the Louis C. Vanguard recipient -- to the Atlanta health community and allows donors to "experience" how the school is leading the creation and advancement of health equity during the 10th annual Hugh M. Gloster Society Celebration on Thursday, April 13. This year's sold-out event, co-chaired by Ted Decker, executive vice president of merchandising for The Home Depot and Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Arnika Dawkins ('87), owner of CaduceusUSA and the Arnika Dawkins Gallery, has raised more than $800,000.

The evening's events will allow attendees to visit and share with faculty, staff and students during a series of interactive "experiences" in the school's Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care. 

"This annual celebration is not only a thank you to our members, but a chance to show how their contributions are impacting the lives of students and those most vulnerable in our communities through scholarships, investment of research, healthcare and health," explains MSM President and Dean Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D. "Their generous support is cultivating the next generation of health and science professionals in science, technology, arts, engineering, and mathematics programs." 

Named for the school's founder the late Dr. Hugh M. Gloster, since 2006 society members have donated more than $10.5 million to support the school's mission. The donations have been used to improve overall health and well-being, diversify the health and scientific workforce and improve primary health care, with emphasis on people of color, the underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation, and the world.