The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bush played a key role in School of Medicine’s success
A July 1982 building dedication ceremony at Atlanta’s Morehouse School of Medicine drew a politically prominent crowd.
Former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young (Atlanta’s mayor at the time) shared the stage with then U.S. Rep. Wyche Fowler (later a U.S. senator), the late Paul Coverdell (a state senator at the time who later served in the U.S. Senate), and Michael Lomax, who was then chairman of the Fulton County Commission and is now president of the United Negro College Fund.
George H.W. Bush, vice president at the time, was there to announce a $2.6 million federal grant.
“It is glaringly apparent that additional schools of medicine such as this great institution are needed throughout the United States,” he said during his remarks.
Hisvisit was hardly a one-time thing.
“We really hit it off,” recalled Dr. Louis Sullivan, Morehouse School of Medicine’s founding dean and president. “I formed a great relationship with both Bushes.”
After appearing at the building dedication, Bush invited Sullivan to accompany his delegation on a goodwill trip through Africa. As president, Bush tapped Sullivan to serve as U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services.
“He was very supportive of education in general and certainly higher education,” Sullivan said. “Being part of the Bush administration was an uplifting, inspiring, as well as challenging event. It opened my eyes to the honor of public service.”
Bush died Friday at 94. Barbara Bush died in April at 92. Morehouse School of Medicine has mourned their passings deeply.
“He was a champion for the elimination of health disparities and an advocate for the advancement of underrepresented minorities and communities,” said Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, the school’s current president and dean.
In November 1983, the Bushes hosted a luncheon to launch the school’s $15 million expansion drive. Barbara Bush served as a trustee for six years (missing only one meeting during her tenure) and wrote the foreword to “The Morehouse Mystique.” The endowed George H.W. and Barbara P. Bush Professor of Neuroscience position reflects their dedication.
“I am saddened by the passing of President George H.W. Bush. Together with his late wife, Barbara P. Bush, they have provided long-term support to the development of Morehouse School of Medicine and will be missed,” said Dr. Peter MacLeish, the first to hold the professorship.
Rice noted that Bush established what became the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and that his administration passed the Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act.
“These two bold statements would become monumental feats in the elimination of health disparities and the groundwork for the impetus toward health equity,” she said. “Because of President George H.W. Bush’s commitment to equal opportunities for all Americans, including opportunities in health care and health outcomes, Morehouse School of Medicine is better positioned to realize its vision to lead the creation and advancement of health equity both nationally and across the globe. We thank President George H. W. Bush for his many contributions to building a stronger and healthier nation, and our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the family and many loved ones of the Bush family.”