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Delta State alumnus receives highest honor

By August 19, 2013General

Delta State alumnus Dr. Robert Elliott ‘59 (left) was inducted in the University of Mississippi Medical Center Medical Alumni Chapter Hall of Fame Saturday by Dr. Scott McPherson, president of the UMMC Medical Alumni Chapter.

Distinguished Delta State alumnus Dr. Robert Elliott ‘59 received one of the most prestigious honors from the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) on Saturday.

The UMMC Medical Alumni Chapter inducted Elliott as one of five recipients into the Medical Alumni Chapter Hall of Fame at the annual meeting at the Fairview Inn in Jackson.

The Medical Hall of Fame honors those who have made an outstanding contribution to their country, state or UMMC through their good deeds or services.

Elliott, a Greenville native who studied pre-med and biology at Delta State, later completed his medical studies at UMMC.

“This is one of the highest honors I’ve received in my career,” said Elliott. “To think that this was a celebration for UMMC and that only about 10 others have received this status in the past — it truly was special recognition for me.”

“It’s a tremendous feeling to be placed with some of the leaders I trained under, and it’s an honor to be included with the pioneers who made UMMC what it is today.”

Elliott received a gold medallion for his recognition, something he said he would forever treasure.

The surgical oncologist has long been connected with Delta State since his days as a student, most notably for the Elliott Program of Excellence.

Each summer, Delta State students are given the opportunity to participate in cancer studies at the Elliott-Elliott-Head Breast Cancer Research & Treatment Center, established by Elliott in 1973 in Baton Rouge, La. Also crucial to the program is Elliott’s wife, Mary ’63.

The ten-week fellowship gives students first-hand experience working in a laboratory dedicated to the detection and treatment of breast cancer.

He is also the organizer of the annual Elliot-Nowell-White Science Symposium at Delta State, where Elliott provides the financial resources, as well as his time and his team of associates, to introduce students and faculty to outstanding scientists of international stature.

Elliott received one of Delta State’s highest honors in 2009 when he became the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

“These accomplishments show that Delta State has always had a strong science department,” said Elliott. “Although it’s seen a smaller regional school, these awards show that hard work pays off.”

Presenting Elliott’s UMMC Hall of Fame award on Saturday was Dr. Scott McPherson, president of the Medical Alumni Chapter.

Fellow 2013 recipients included: Dr. Buddy Connors of Nashville, Tenn.; Dr. Norman Nelson of Jackson; Dr. Winfred Wiser (deceased) and Dr. Wallace Conerly (deceased).
 
Each year, UMMC selects no more than five nominations presented by the Medical Alumni. Learn more about the organization at www.umc.edu.

To find out more about the Delta State Alumni Association, please visit deltastate.edu/alumni. Follow the Alumni Association on our social media site – Facebook: Statesmen Graduates; Twitter: @DSU_Alumni; Tumblr: www.dsualumni.tumblr.com; LinkedIn: DSU alumni; and You Tube: dsualumni1.