Leaders at Morehouse School of Medicine recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new academic facility valued at $45 million. The surprise announcement of the building’s name, the Calvin Smyre Building, was made in honor of longtime board member and state lawmaker Calvin Smyre. The ceremony was attended by various members of the community, including Smyre, who was visibly emotional upon hearing the news.
“I am overwhelmed and so appreciative that you would name a building after me,” Smyre said. “I love the Morehouse School of Medicine because of the important work that we do.”
The new 52,300-square foot building is scheduled to be completed in early 2024 and will house conference and classroom space, group workspaces for students, office space, and outdoor relaxation areas. The announcement of the new building comes as a recognition of Smyre’s dedication and contributions to the school over the years. Smyre has been credited with securing private and state funding for research at the school and has been a part of the board of trustees for over 41 years.
In 2021, the Georgia Research Alliance announced a $15 million public-private partnership to find new treatments and therapies for sickle cell disease, of which Morehouse School of Medicine is a part. An endowed research chair was also named after Smyre in recognition of his contributions to the school.
Smyre, who will be 76 this year, announced his retirement from the Georgia House of Representatives in 2022 after 48 years. President Joe Biden has since nominated Smyre to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. With this new academic building in his name, Smyre’s legacy at Morehouse School of Medicine will continue to inspire generations of students and faculty for years to come.
Source: The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Link to Story
Photo Credit: Bob Andres/AJC
