Georgia Health Sciences University transition ceremony

Citing the fulfillment of the dream of Georgia Health Sciences University's founders, President Ricardo Azziz oversaw a Feb. 1 ceremony on campus marking the university's name change.

"I am very humbled. This has been the work of many, many people,"

President Azziz told an audience of hundreds at the Health Sciences Building.

Medical Historian in Residence Lois T. Ellison noted that changing the name from the Medical College of Georgia to Georgia Health Sciences University represents an evolution in name changes over the years to reflect the institution's growing role and stature.

The university has had six names since its inception in 1828, she said, citing variations including the Medical Academy of Georgia, the Medical Institute of Georgia and the University of Georgia Department of Medicine.

The institution became an autonomous health sciences university in 1950, but the longest-lasting and much-revered name, the Medical College of Georgia, was retained until the University System of Georgia approved the GHSU name change last fall.

Now that the new name is official, the institution's role is clear to all GHSU constituents, including the public at large, President Azziz said.

Added Rachel Mathis, President of the Student Government Association, "Today, we are finally being recognized as a university of the health sciences, conveying to the public the breadth and scope of our mission."

President Azziz said the name change pivotally positions the university to advance its goal of becoming a leading academic health center and top-50 research university while transforming the institution and the region into a health care and biomedical research destination.

Dayna Seymore, Chairwoman of the Employee Advisory Council, added that the recent re-integration of GHSU with its clinical facilities opens even more doors. "We are all very passionate about what GHSU has meant to us over the years. Together, we can be even stronger."

Dr. Jack Yu, Vice Chairman of the University Faculty Senate, concurred: "Our future is more bright than ever. We are confident that, together, we will have a rendezvous with destiny that GHSU will become synonymous with excellence in clinical care, biomedical research and education."

Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver noted, "I can assure you that GHSU is a huge part of Augusta's future as a world-class city."

Dr. Ellison quoted a founding faculty member, Dr. Paul Fitzsimons Eve, who as President of the American Medical Association in 1857 hailed health sciences education as "the best means to relieve suffering humanity," adding that all who aspire to that goal share "one hope, one heart, one mind and one vision."

Ms. Mathis noted, "The future of GHSU begins today."

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Education

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• GHSU
• MCG
• name change