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From left, Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, and John Erck welcomed guests to the 2024 Society of the Double Helix reception at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Image by Evan Lewis

UAMS Celebrates Members of the Society of the Double Helix

May 2, 2024 | The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) honored members of the Society of the Double Helix during an April 18 reception held in the Cultural Living Room at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock.

The Society of the Double Helix was established by what is now known as the UAMS Board of Advisors, in 1998 as a way for the university to recognize the philanthropy of individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations that have contributed $100,000 or more to the institution since its founding in 1879. To date, members of the Society of the Double Helix have collectively invested nearly $713 million in the work at UAMS.

John Erck, vice chancellor for the Division of Institutional Advancement, opened the evening and welcomed guests.

“I am thrilled that you joined us this evening to celebrate your exemplary philanthropy and impact on the health and wellness of those whose lives are touched each and every day through UAMS,” said Erck. “Because of the investment of every person in this room, and collectively with those members of the Society of the Double Helix who were unable to join us this evening, much has been accomplished.”

Members of the Society of the Double Helix have revolutionized the environment at UAMS through achievements realized with their support, he said. They have helped to fund student scholarships, faculty and research endowments, state-of-the-art equipment purchases and construction of modern facilities and centers of excellence.

Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health, was on hand to thank society members for their support of UAMS.

“Philanthropy is a choice. Each of you has made a choice to invest in the health of your community — not just in Little Rock, but in Northwest Arkansas, at our Regional Campuses and in every small town linked to our health system,” said Patterson. “You’ve made a choice to help your family members, your friends and those you’ve never even met. Your generosity has helped countless Arkansans live better lives, thanks to the care that UAMS provides. When you go home tonight, I want you to be excited about the difference that you’ve made.”

At UAMS, the double helix, adopted by the worldwide scientific community as a symbol of the quest for knowledge through scientific research, represents a distinguished group whose individual contributions have combined to advance the university’s central mission: to teach, to search, to serve and to heal.

“With your partnership, UAMS will ignite statewide transformation and accelerate our ability to discover cures, save and improve lives, and create opportunity for ourselves and future generations,” said Patterson. “Through investments we make in education, clinical care and research, UAMS will lead Arkansas toward its goal to become the healthiest state in the region.”

You can view photos of the event here.