Newswise — Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine’s Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Chicago’s Field Museum will honor Dick and Judi Duchossois and Mike My Lehoang, MD, for their outstanding philanthropy and humanitarian efforts. Now in its 64th year, the 2014 black tie fundraiser honors individuals for their leadership and dedication to bettering the lives of others, consistent with the school’s mission.
“The Stritch School of Medicine trains tomorrow’s physicians to bring positive change to their patients’ lives, communities and our world. Those we honor embody excellence, commitment, determination and compassion -- attributes that we strive to instill in all our students,” said Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, the school’s dean and chief diversity officer.
This year the school will present its highest honor, the Stritch Medal, to Lehoang. Dick and Judi Duchossois will receive the Sword of Loyola.
In addition, 25 young adults from the Chicago area will be recognized for their participation in the Stritch Junior Service League, a volunteer organization that continues Loyola’s tradition of service to the community.
As one of his first public appearances in his new role, The Most Reverend Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, will perform the invocation.
Stritch Medal recipient Mike My Lehoang
Lehoang is being awarded the Stritch Medal for demonstrating the ideals of medicine promoted by Stritch as evidenced by his personal commitment to elevating the level of medical care in developing countries.
“Dr. Lehoang has never lost sight of the human side of medicine and the need to give back,” said Brubaker. “As a Loyola Stritch graduate, he has given back to the school, and as a visionary humanitarian he has made major contributions to his community and to the world.”
Lehoang, who in his youth fled Vietnam with his family, is responsible for initiating and establishing regular service trips with Stritch students to Vietnam. In 2008, he founded an orphanage in Vietnam in 2008, which currently is home to 96 orphans and six expecting mothers.
Sword of Loyola recipients Dick and Judi Duchossois
The Sword of Loyola recognizes notable achievements of outstanding leaders outside of the medical field. This year’s recipients, Dick and Judi Duchossois, are celebrated for their exceptional dedication and service, particularly through sustainable practices.
“Dick and Judi Duchossois personify the Jesuit, Catholic values of ‘men and women for others,’ giving selflessly of time and philanthropy throughout the Chicago community and beyond,” said Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., president and CEO of Loyola University Chicago. “Since 1964, the Sword of Loyola has recognized those rare individuals, like Dick and Judi, whose allegiance to mankind ignites a passion in us all to emulate their leadership in fostering a better world.”
A Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient earned through service in five campaigns in World War II, Dick also earned the French Medal of the Legion of Honor recognizing the valor and bravery in Normandy, France. His prowess in multiple business arenas resulted in the establishment of The Duchossois Group and the success of Arlington Park.
Judi is a member of the Board of Trustees for Loyola and a board member of the University’s Institute of Environmental Sustainability. Loyola’s Retreat and Ecology Campus is now home to the Duchossois Food Systems Lab and Kitchen, a new demonstration kitchen that will allow students and guests to learn techniques that will lead to healthier ways of living.
The family also focuses its philanthropy on cancer, including research, patient support services and educational initiatives through the Duchossois Family Foundation.
Millions raised for medical education
As Chicago’s longest-running black-tie gala, the Stritch School of Medicine Annual Awards Dinner has raised millions of dollars for medical education scholarships since 1950. And during the Access to Excellence: The Campaign for Scholarships, gifts of $500 or more to qualified endowed scholarship funds are being matched by the university. Individual tickets are $600; tables of 10 can be sponsored for $6,000 or $12,000. Tickets are a tax-deductible charitable donation to the extent allowed by law.
For more information about the event, contact [email protected] or call (708) 216-6576.
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