David McDonogh Memorial Scholarship

VP&S has established a $1 million scholarship in Dr. David McDonogh’s name, funded by Diana and Roy Vagelos’54, whose initial gift launched the 250th Anniversary Scholarship Challenge. The McDonogh Scholarship will provide financial support to medical students who have overcome adversity or hardship in their pursuit of a medical education.

Dr. McDonogh, an African American student who studied at VP&S in the 1800s, was denied the MD degree due to his race. Dean Lee Goldman granted the MD degree posthumously to Dr. McDonogh at the 2018 VP&S graduation ceremony. 

“We can think of no better way to honor Dr. McDonogh and his legacy,” said Lee Goldman, MD, in announcing the scholarship.

As featured in Columbia Medicine.