Awards

The Director’s Champion in Research Award

The Director’s Champion in Research Award honors those individuals whose philanthropy and leadership and advocacy, have made transformative contributions in the world of cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi.

The Director’s Champion in Research Award will be presented to The Schweitzer and Siegel Families. Paul Schweitzer and his family have been dedicated volunteers and donors to Georgetown Lombardi for over 30 years. They have helped to raise millions of dollars, with their legacy of support spanning three generations. Their leadership and advocacy have truly impacted and inspired the work that we do. When learning of the family’s honor, Paul said, “I am driven to do anything and everything I can to help advance Lombardi’s mission. Lombardi has had an incredible impact on my life, helping and in many cases saving the lives of family members, friends and colleagues. I am forever in their debt” We are thrilled to be honoring Paul and Randi Schweitzer and their sons Glen, Brett and Kevin and Edwin and Linda Siegel.

The Schweitzer and Siegel Families gather with friends at the Lombardi Gala 

 

 

The Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award

In honor of Gala founder Margaret L. Hodges, the Gala committees established an award to present to remarkable individuals who embody and follow her can-do leadership spirit. It is bestowed as a centerpiece of the Gala to pay tribute to sustained contributions of time, energy, financial resources, and leadership.

The Margaret Hodges Award will be presented to Herb and Carolyn Kolben. Since 2000, Herb and Carolyn have generously supported the Lombardi Gala, our Lombardi Women event and the Men’s Event. They have given their time, talent and treasure to help advance the Gala and Lombardi’s mission of finding a cure for cancer.

 

 

NFL Players Association Georgetown Lombardi Award

The NFL Players Association award honors a person who has faced cancer and who possesses those qualities that made Coach Lombardi an inspiration to all people – dependability, courage, discipline and honor.

The NFL Players Association Georgetown Lombardi Award will be presented to Washington Commander’s head coach, Ron Rivera. Coach Rivera’s public bout with cancer has served to inspire so many, and by continuing to raise awareness he is doing his part to encourage others as they fight this disease.

Coach Ron Rivera

2018 Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award Recipient

DeMaurice Smith is the Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).

In his 8 years as Honorary Chair of the Lombardi Gala, Smith has lent time and expertise to help elevate and grow the event. His commitment has led to an increase in funds raised and in the visibility of the critical work of Georgetown Lombardi. His infectious energy and passion have had a lasting impact on the Lombardi Gala, Georgetown Lombardi, and all of the patients and families that it serves.

Congratulations, De!

The Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award

In honor of Gala founder Margaret L. Hodges, the Gala committees established an award to present to remarkable individuals who embody and follow her can-do leadership spirit. It is bestowed as a centerpiece of the Gala to pay tribute to sustained contributions of time, energy, financial resources, and leadership.

2017 Recipient

Jeanne Ruesch
Founder of the Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Jeanne Ruesch serves as chair of the Ruesch Family Foundation, primarily focused on medical research, education, and the arts, which she founded with her late husband, Otto J. Ruesch. In 2009, she established the Otto J. Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Ruesch Center combines expertise in treatment, research, patient care, and advocacy in GI cancers.

Among countless other philanthropic appointments, Mrs. Ruesch has served in leadership roles with Georgetown University and its School of Foreign Service, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Prior to establishing the family foundation, Jeanne and Otto Ruesch founded Ruesch International, an international financial services company that provided global payment solutions for corporations worldwide.

Jeanne has been a leader within Georgetown University and the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, both through her philanthropy and commitment of time, energy and expertise. As the founder of the Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, she has demonstrated her commitment to advocacy, research and improving the lives of individuals and families battling cancer.

Congratulations Jeanne!

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NFL Players Association Georgetown Lombardi Award

The NFL Players Association award honors a person who has faced cancer and who possesses those qualities that made Coach Lombardi an inspiration to all people – dependability, courage, discipline and honor.

2017 Recipient

Bryant Gumbel

In April 1995, Bryant Gumbel began hosting Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, HBO Sports’ monthly magazine-style program that explores issues, controversies and personalities prevalent in the world of sports. Among other honors, Real Sports has been honored with 32 Emmy Awards, as well as three duPont-Columbia University Awards for broadcast journalism.

One of television’s most accomplished broadcasters, Gumbel was with NBC for more than 20 years, where he hosted “TODAY” for 15 years, longer than anyone else in the show’s history. During his time with “TODAY,” he won an Emmy for his interviews.

Gumbel has compiled a remarkably diverse array of credits. He has interviewed superpower leaders and Super Bowl heroes, and has covered foreign wars, elections, international summits and presidential inaugurations.

Gumbel has received the United Negro College Fund’s highest honor, the Frederick D. Patterson Award, as well as the Martin Luther King Award from the Congress of Racial Equality and three NAACP Image Awards. Gumbel has been honored with the International Journalism Award from TransAfrica, the Africa’s Future Award from the U.S. Committee for UNICEF, and the leadership award from the African American Institute.

Gumbel has received honorary doctorates from Bates, Xavier, Holy Cross, Providence College and Clark Atlanta University. He has served on the boards of the United Way of New York City, Xavier University in New Orleans and Bates College.

As a two-time cancer survivor, we are honored to present Bryant Gumbel with the 2017 NFL Players Association Georgetown Lombardi Award.

Congratulations, Bryant!

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The John F. Potter, M.D. Award

2017 Recipient

Darren Mays, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Dr. Darren Mays earned his MPH and PhD in behavioral sciences from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. He is an Assistant Professor of Oncology and Member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Mays’ research focuses on behavioral cancer prevention among adolescents and young adults, with specific interests in tobacco use and skin cancer risk behaviors such as sun exposure and indoor tanning. His research develops novel strategies for reducing these risk behaviors and promoting healthy, cancer-preventive behaviors among young people. His research accomplishes these goals by studying how cancer risk behaviors unfold, developing effective approaches for cancer risk communication, and examining strategies for policy change. Dr. Mays’ ongoing research in these areas is supported through grants from the National Institutes of Health and private foundations.

Dr. Mays demonstrates many of the qualities that made Dr. John Potter a revolutionary force for change in the fight against cancer. Dr. Mays’ innovative research provides practical solutions to complicated problems, and uses a multifaceted approach combining research, education and advocacy to combat the disease.

Congratulations, Dr. Mays on this well-deserved honor!