The West Indian Foundation recently presented an award to Cato T. Laurencin, professor at the University of Connecticut, in honor of his longstanding contributions to the foundation and communities throughout the West Indies. The award reads, “Your financial contributions have served as a cornerstone in strengthening our mission, uplifting our communities, and preserving the rich heritage of the West Indian diaspora. Your commitment is a true pillar of progress.”
Dr. Laurencin, whose father was born in St. Lucia, has been an active and longtime supporter of the West Indian community. In 2015, the foundation presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Earlier this year, Dr. Laurencin was knighted by King Charles III of England through the Governor-General of St. Lucia.
At the University of Connecticut, Dr. Laurencin is a University Professor and the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery in the School of Medicine. He also holds faculty appointments in chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, and biomedical engineering. Additionally, he is CEO of the university’s Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Entering, a cross-university institute created and named in his honor.
Dr. Laurencin is a leading expert in public health, as well as racial and ethnic health disparities. He currently serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities and is co-founder of the W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute, an organization dedicated to addressing racial health disparities.
Dr. Laurencin holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University, a medical degree from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in biochemical engineering and biotechnology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
