To recognize extraordinary contribution to the field of engineering and applied science by a University of Virginia Engineering School African-American student, faculty member, or alumnus/alumna, or by a University of Virginia Engineering School student, faculty member or alumnus/alumna whose contribution to the field is of particular significance to African-Americans. This award is given in honor of the personal challenges and accomplishments of Robert A. Bland, EE’59, the first African-American to graduate from the University of Virginia and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Cato T. Laurencin received his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University in 1980, his PhD degree in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1987 and his MD degree from Harvard Medical School in 1987.

Currently he serves as a University Professor, the Lillian T. Pratt Distinguished Professor and Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgeon-in-Chief of the University of Virginia Health System, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Professor of Chemical Engineering.

Given the responsibilities and distractions that his position entails, his record of contributions to the field of engineering and his inspiration of scores of African-American and other students and faculty is truly extraordinary.

His mentorship of junior faculty has produced success typical of only our best scientist, engineers, and physicians. He has done this by bridging gaps in communication and forging collaborative research across multiple disciplines in engineering and medicine

To many of his African-American mentees, Professor Laurencin has provided the first tangible example of achievement in the science and engineering arena by an African-American and this has resulted in a cadre of African-American clinicians, engineers, and researchers who themselves are determined to follow in his example of achievement and success.

Comments like, he has helped me initiate collaborations; he has helped me make valuable connections; he has opened doors to funding opportunities; he has enabled me to be more efficient in teaching my classes; he has helped me in writing successful proposals…sprinkle the pages of the many letters we received supporting his nomination for this award.

Clearly it is his constant attention to education that forms his strengths as a leader.

I would be significantly remiss if I didn’t include a comment about his research activities. He has established a 30+ member research group here at the University of Virginia. He and his group have done pioneering work in the development of tissue engineered substitutes for bone and Professor Laurencin has been a leader in the identification and evaluation of novel polymeric and polymer-ceramic materials for this use.

To mention but a few of his recent relevant accolades, Professor Laurencin recently received the Workforce Diversity Award from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Clemson Award for significant contributions to the literature on the technology of biomaterials, the Grimes Award for outstanding achievements as a distinguished role model for minorities from AICHE and was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine.

It is with much appreciation for an individual who has dedicated himself to such stellar achievement and in doing so promotes diversity through the mentoring of many individuals that the School of Engineering and Applied Science recognizes Professor Cato T. Laurencin with the inaugural Robert A. Bland Award this September 28th, 2007.