Newsmakers: Two Pitt Programs Receive Awards

Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg bestowed his 2014 Affirmative Action Award to two University programs: The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Career Education and Enhancement for Health Care Research Diversity Program (CEED). The chancellor commended the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for its efforts to improve the lives of patients with mobility issues and for its commitment to inclusiveness in its faculty and staff. Above, Amy Houtrow and Michael Boninger accepted for the department. The chancellor cited CEED’s efforts in encouraging members of under-represented groups to pursue careers in academia and research by providing fellows, post-doctoral associates, junior faculty, and medical students with mentoring, networking, and other skills. Quinten Brown, left, and Kaleab Abebe accepted for CEED. The chancellor also presented the $2,500 award to both programs during the June 11 University Senate Council meeting. The annual award is normally presented to one University program or individual who has made a significant contribution to the University’s affirmative action efforts. But Nordenberg said two programs were chosen this year because he “wholeheartedly agreed” with the selection committee’s assessment that both programs were deserving.