JOHN WALLACE DIVERSITY AWARD

Overview

The Wallace Diversity Program honors the late Dr. John H. Wallace, a co-founder of the AIC. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March of 1925, he majored in zoology at Howard University, graduating with honors in 1947. Although accepted as a medical student at Meharry Medical College, a summer of research with Dr. Albert Sabin at Cincinnati Children's Hospital changed his life. John chose a career in Bacteriology, earning both MS and PhD degrees at Ohio State University. After postdoctoral training at the same institution, he worked as a Research Associate and a Bacteriologist at Harvard Medical School, followed by a distinguished professional career at Meharry Medical College, Tulane University, Ohio State University, and the University of Louisville, where he was chairman of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology from 1972-1990. He also served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Morehouse University. During his career, Dr. Wallace published over 130 manuscripts and abstracts and mentored more than thirty five graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. He had an extensive service record, serving on numerous scientific, academic, social and community organizations, boards and committees. Among his many distinguished accomplishments was his commitment to improve the education and participation of under-represented minority students in the sciences. He was also very active in promoting the interest of high school, middle school, and elementary students in scientific careers.