Arthur Ashe's Vision Lives On as the Health Science Academy Celebrates Its 30th Graduating Class
By Office of Communications & Marketing | Jul 14, 2026
More than 30 years after Arthur Ashe helped establish the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (AAIUH), his vision of improving health outcomes in underserved communities continues to guide its work.
Last month, the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (the Institute) celebrated the 30th graduating class of its Health Science Academy (HSA), recognizing 39 seniors for their academic achievement and commitment to community service. The Academy is a three-year program for students in grades 10 through 12 and is part of HSA's broader STEM and health sciences pathway, which serves students in grades 6 through 12.
Founded in 1992, AAIUH was created to address health disparities in underserved communities through education, outreach, and workforce development. Two months before his death, Ashe announced the Institute in response to concerns about healthcare delivery in urban America. He understood that preventable illness and poor health outcomes were often linked to limited access to care and a lack of culturally relevant health education and early intervention.
Since its inception, the program has served more than 3,200 students, helping young people explore careers in medicine, nursing, public health, research, and other health professions. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and exposure to healthcare careers, students gain the skills, confidence, and inspiration to make a difference in their communities.
Downstate continues to play an important role in this work, with students serving as instructors and mentors, providing guidance and role modeling for Academy participants, and helping strengthen a pipeline of future healthcare professionals.
This year's keynote speaker, Vanessa Vales-Lewis, Ph.D., Assistant Dean in Downstate's School of Health Professions and a 2006 Academy alumna, represented the program's full-circle success. Dr. Vales-Lewis also presented "Full Circle" scholarships to two graduating seniors.
Graduating seniors received nearly $22,000 in scholarship support through the generosity of Dr. Vales-Lewis, Public Health Solutions, Arthur Ashe Institute Board Member Dr. Errol Pierre, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The Robert F. Furchgott Award, presented in partnership with Downstate's Furchgott Society, honored an HSA alum whose achievements reflect both academic excellence and a commitment to serving the community.
The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 reflect the program's strength and the enduring impact of Arthur Ashe's vision. Graduates earned acceptance to highly competitive programs and institutions, including the CUNY Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, Princeton University, Spelman College, and Stony Brook University.
Under the leadership of Marilyn Fraser, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, and Mary Valmont, Ph.D., Associate Executive Director for Health Science Education, the Arthur Ashe Institute of Urban Health continues to prepare students for careers in healthcare and science. Many Health Science Academy alumni now return as mentors, instructors, and program staff, helping support the next generation of students.
The Institute's success is supported by a dedicated Health Science Academy team that includes Roudjessie Charles, MPH; Kirabo Nanyanzi, MPH; Tolulope Atolagbe, MPH; Nazhifah Junia, M.D., MPH; and Taskin Khan.
The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 reflect the lasting impact of Arthur Ashe's vision and more than three decades of investment in young people, education, and community health.
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