Celebrating a Decade of Impact

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Improving maternal and newborn survival rates in developing countries, enhancing the health care workforces in African countries through innovative information systems, and serving the most vulnerable patients around the world are just a few of the milestones celebrated during the 10th anniversary of the Lillian Carter Center in November 2011.

During the weeklong celebration, faculty, students, and alumni gathered on Emory’s campus for special events, including International Scholar’s Day, a global nursing photography contest, and “The Lillian” event with presentations from the school’s community partners.

The anniversary celebration ended with a keynote presentation from world renowned environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—the son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy—who had a special connection to the center’s namesake.  As a Harvard University student, Kennedy traveled to Plains, Georgia to meet with Miss Lillian Carter to lobby for a U.S. government intervention to stop the execution of his roommate’s father, the deposed president of Pakistan. He recalled Miss Lillian’s gracious nature and her strong interest in global affairs.

“Lillian Carter was very kind to me that day, and I am personally happy to be at an institution that bears her name,” said Kennedy.

During his presentation, Kennedy urged nursing students to get involved in the political process.

“Nurses are playing a critical role in much of the big debates about the future of our country,” he said. “Some of the most effective voices are coming from nurses who see firsthand the effects environmental toxins cause.”

Redefining the Future of Global Health & Social Responsibility

Over the next decade, the Center’s goal is to become an international model for integrating service-learning and social responsibility into school curricula and research programs.

The Center’s strategic priorities include:

- Increasing global health nursing research;

- Expanding student awareness of global health issues;

- Enhancing the visibility of community partners;

- Increasing collaborations with academic global health programs at Emory and beyond;

- Offering at least one global experience for every student.

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Decade Report