The Joseph M. Fernandez ’85 Award is given to an individual who has worked to bring diverse alumni together to make a positive contribution to the University community. The award is named in memory of late BAA President Joe Fernandez ’85, whose leadership at Brown was characterized by integrity, selfless dedication, optimism for the future and a commitment to diversity. The Brown Alumni Association established this award to recognize a Brown alumnus/a whose service to the University is representative of the leadership exemplified by the award’s namesake.
Preston was a student at Brown at a time of great political and social upheaval in this country. And he was an eye witness to the short comings of a University we all love. But rather than letting that experience diminish his love for Brown, Preston helped Brown move forward and become a better University, learning from the lessons of the past. Over the decades, he has continued to serve the Brown community through his work with the Inman Page Black Alumni Council and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of students at Brown. Perhaps one of his greatest expression of love for Brown is that he sent three daughters to school here. You only need to spend a few minutes with Preston to realize that he is indeed a very special person who shares Joe’s integrity, optimism, and dedication to Brown.
Malika Saada Saar is a nationally recognized advocate for the rights of women, girls and vulnerable families. Her legacy of public service includes founding Family Rights and Dignity, a civil rights project for low income and homeless families in California, and Crossing the River, a written and spoken word workshop for mothers in recovery from substance abuse and violence. The William Rogers Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a Brown graduate who exemplifies the University’s mission to prepare alumni for lives of “usefulness and reputation.”
Tiffani Scott ’98 and Richard Gray ’85 were awarded the 2011 Brown Leadership Award for their volunteer work with Brown’s Inman Page Black Alumni Council.
Tiffani Scott '98
Richard Gray '85
Leadership Awards (formerly called Spotlight Awards) highlight exemplary accomplishments for Brown in any volunteer capacity.
Working with other volunteers, Tiffani and Richard achieved stunning success with over 300 alumni returning to campus to attend Brown’s 2010 Black Alumni Reunion. Tiffani committed unprecedented time and effort to organize and execute Brown’s largest affinity group reunion to date; and as Inman Page Black Alumni Council President, Richard was able to raise approximately one third of the funds needed for the Reunion, while also securing the funds to support an IPC scholarship established as part of the Boldly Brown Campaign.
Cedric Bright, M.D., associate professor of medicine in the Departments of Medicine and Community and Family Medicine at Duke University Medical Center, was installed as the 112th President of the National Medical Association on July 26, 2011. Immediately following the installation ceremony, a reception was held in his honor co-sponsored by the IPC, Brown Alumni Association, and Brown Medical School.
Vice President Emeritus Levi Adams congratulates Dr. Bright on his installation
Featured speakers at the event included Dr. Levi Adams, Vice President Emeritus of the University and founding faculty advisor of the Brown Black Pre-Med Society; Todd Andrews ’83, Vice President of Alumni Relations; and Dr. Matthew Thomas ’85, friend and classmate of Dr. Bright, who introduced the guest of honor. In addition to friends, family and NMA members, Brown alums of all ages attended the reception and everyone enjoyed the fellowship and networking.
Vice President for Alumni Affairs Todd Andrews '83 with IPC Secretary Tony Teat '88
Bright, also a staff physician at the Durham VA Medical Center, is president of the Old North State Medical Society and of the Durham Academy of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy. He has been a member of the American Medical Association, The Society of General Internal Medicine and the North Carolina Medical Society. He also has served on several state task forces and sits on a review panel for the state Medicare formulary. In each capacity, Bright has championed parity in access and best practices to meet the needs of the most vulnerable citizens.
Dr. Matt Thomas '85 introduces Dr. Bright
He also is a member of the board of the Student National Medical Association and mentors under-represented minority and majority students as they pursue health careers.
Young Alums listening to Dr. Bright's speech
In Durham, Bright is a past chairman of the Lincoln Community Health Center Board of directors, served on the Durham County Hospital Corporation Board and is a member of the Durham Coalition-Healthy People 2010 steering committee. With members of the Durham Academy of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy, he provides community care through the Morreene Road Community and Morning Glory Senior Villages Health Empowerment Programs.
Dr. Bright conversing with friends and fellow Alums following during the reception
A 1985 graduate of Brown, he received his M.D. degree from the University of North Caroline School of Medicine in 1990. Dr. Bright did his training in General Internal Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, a Brown University affiliate, graduating in 1993.
Watch the video of Dr. Bright’s installation here:
The National Medical Association (NMA) is the oldest and largest nonprofit professional, educational, national and scientific organization representing 50,000 African American physicians and the millions of multi-ethnic patients they serve. While throughout its history the NMA has focused primarily on health issues related to African Americans and medically underserved populations, its principles, goals, initiatives and philosophy encompass all sectors of the population.
Following the installation, a reception was held in Dr. Bright’s honor hosted by the Brown Alumni Association, Inman Page Black Alumni Council, Brown Club of Washington, D.C., Warren Alpert Medical School, and the Multicultural Alumni Committee.
During her recent visit to Haiti as the guest of honor at the book fair, Livres en Folie, Haitian-American writer Edwidge Danticat (MFA ’93) graciously visited the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince to discuss Haiti Noir, a collection of short stories for which she served as the editor.
She was welcomed by Brown Alum Kimberly Wright-King ’90, Vice Consul at the US Embassy Port-au-Prince (US State Dept).
