June 4, 2024 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
In recognition of his 17-year tenure as Dean and his 35 years (and counting) with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, the Arnold School of Public Health has launched two new funds in honor of Thomas Chandler. The G. Thomas Chandler Undergraduate Scholarship Fund and The G. Thomas Chandler Environmental Health Sciences Lecture Fund serve to recognize his impact and legacy to the school.
“The funds established for the lecture series and the scholarship provide an opportunity
for faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners, donors and friends to honor Dean Chandler
by making a personal gift,” says Lee Pearson, Executive Director of Operations and Accreditation. “It is through our collective
gifts that these funds will become a strong and enduring reflection of Dean Chandler’s
many years of impactful leadership in the Arnold School."
The purpose of the undergraduate scholarship fund is to provide financial support to bachelor’s level students at the Arnold School. The public health programs were launched in 2008 during Chandler’s two-year period as interim dean. Since then, they have grown to more than 1500 students – with exercise science majors adding an additional 1000 students to our undergraduate population. Always an advocate for students of all levels, Chandler served as chair for the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health’s Undergraduate Public health and Global Health Education Network.
“Working with Dean Chandler to implement and grow our public health undergraduate programs and supporting services has been both a privilege and a pleasure,” says clinical professor Sara Corwin, who helped launch the bachelor’s programs. “His passion for public health and dedication to our students have had a substantial impact on not only the university community but on the training of future public health professionals. This scholarship will ensure that Dean Chandler’s commitment and legacy continues to inspire and support students as they achieve their academic and professional goals."
According to Corwin, scholarship recipients will be selected based not only on their academic achievements but also for their commitment to public health and how they plan to use their education to make a difference in the world. Honoring Dean Chandler with this scholarship will ensure that his devotion in these areas continues for many years to come.
The lecture fund represents another key feature of the Arnold School that Chandler has championed during his tenure. Whether through his own connections or through the various collaborations led by our faculty, Chandler has enthusiastically supported and facilitated signature events, like the Arnold Aging Lecture and Vernberg Lecture, over the years. In recognition of his contributions as a scientist and in alignment with his department’s commitment to translating and educating research into practice, this new lecture fund will continue Chandler’s legacy.
“Dean Chandler is an internationally renowned ecotoxicologist, who developed one of the first multigenerational toxicity testing protocols for assessing endocrine disrupting chemicals as well as many other advances in reproductive toxicology,” says ENHS chair and long-time colleague Geoff Scott. “This lecture series will provide a forum for lectures and workshops that will bring internationally recognized scholars together to discuss global health science challenges, such as forever chemicals, microplastics and other emerging health issues facing the world today.”
To make a donation to this fund, start by clicking on the provided link. Next, navigate to the "Undergraduate Affairs" tab and locate the "G. Thomas Chandler Undergraduate Scholarship Fund." Finally, proceed to make your gift by clicking on the appropriate option.
To make a donation to this fund, start by clicking on the provided link. Next, navigate to the "Department of Environmental Health Sciences" tab and locate the "G. Thomas Chandler Environmental Health Sciences Lecture Fund." Finally, proceed to make your gift by clicking on the appropriate option.