Med school introduces award to honour road victim

(CNS): St. Matthew’s University medical school will be giving out its first annual Dr. Richard D. Martin Humanitarian Award this Saturday afternoon during the 1st semester White Coat Ceremony at the medical school campus. Officials said the award was created to honour the values of DR Martin, a medical student at St Mathews who was killed by a drunk driver last year, while driving a classmate home after a study group session. In his memory, the administrators of the University have created an annual award for a student who exemplifies the same passion and qualities that Dr Martin held.

Officials said a special selection committee comprised of faculty, administrators and students are reviewing nominations to select the winner of the award and five finalists will be announced during Saturday’s event. The recipient of the award will be announced later that evening, at the St. Matthew’s University Medical School Semi Formal to be held at the Royal Palms restaurant at 8:30 pm.

“We are very excited to recognize a student who holds the qualities that St. Matthew’s looks for in our students as they become highly qualified and caring physicians,” said St. Matthew’s Chancellor John Marvin.
The award is accompanied by recognition across the entire St. Matthew’s University Community and a $500 cash prize,

“I’m sure my husband never anticipated an award in his honour, but I am appreciative of the on-going influence he continues to have in the St. Matthew’s community,” said Susan Yee, wife of Martin. “It is a great tribute in perpetuity to my husband.”

Dr. Richard Martin was from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA, and held the position of Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Active Data Exchange, a calendar sharing software  company. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Nuclear Engineering and summa cum laude with a master’s degree in Technology Management and a doctor of science degree in Engineering and Technology Management from Southern California University. He is survived by his wife and 5 children.

The Dr. Richard D. Martin Memorial Fund has been created to benefit those in need of healthcare and do not have access or cannot afford it. More information about the purpose and selection criteria of the award, and about Dr. Richard D. Martin, can be found here:

http://award.rememberingrichardmartin.org
http://www.rememberingrichardmartin.org