OU Public Health | Fall 2018 6 and researchers for addressing specific issues of health concern affecting broad portions of our communities,” Cliff Hudson said. “Leslie and I are hope- ful that our increased support will en- able the College to attract and retain the strongest students and assist those same students in attaining a level of academ- ic and professional preparation from which Oklahoma communities might benefit for decades to come.” In 2013, the Hudsons established the Hudson Family Endowed Scholarship to provide financial assistance to students in the College preparing for careers in public health. Two years later, they an- nounced a gift of $1 million to establish the Hudson Fellows in Public Health program and the annual Hudson Fel- lows Symposium. An additional $1 mil- lion gift was made in 2017 to increase the number of available fellowships. The 2018 leadership gift again expands the Hudson Fellows program, helping to ease the financial burden on scholars as they work to further their education and answer critical questions underpinning public health. “The Hudsons have shown their con- tinued, steadfast commitment to educa- tion and to the power of public health to positively impact lives,” Dean Gary Raskob said. “This is a transformational gift for the College of Public Health. It helps ensure we can continue to attract and educate the best students who will lead innovative public health research, and who will find new solutions to the health problems impacting our health, the world in which we live, and the lives of millions. We are humbled, grateful and inspired by this gift.” Dr. Jason Sanders, Senior Vice President and Provost of the OU Health Sciences Center and Vice Chair of OU Medicine, said the Hudsons’ generous support un- derlines the importance of constantly striving to grow research and to enhance support for bright, young scholars in an effort to improve public health. “Public health is essential for longer, healthier lives in Oklahoma and across the globe. The Hudsons are inspiring public health leaders, supporting our students and researchers through their generous investments, and setting a na- tional standard. We are honored that they have advanced the College of Pub- lic Health to a prominent role and el- evated the OU Health Sciences Center in the process,” Sanders said. Dr. Howard Koh meets with business, public health and community leaders prior to the Hudson Fellows Symposium. Dean Gary Raskob addresses the crowd at the start of the Hudson Fellows Symposium and Naming event. Dr. Leslie Hudson discusses the importance of public health in remarks about their multi- million dollar gift to the College.