Media Advisory 05-008
Surgeon General to Speak at NSF on Community College Day

Community college graduate will address institutions’ contributions to S&T careers

April 21, 2005

The U.S. Surgeon General, Richard H. Carmona, will speak on the contributions of community colleges to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education on April 25 at the National Science Foundation (NSF), as part of NSF's recognition of Community College Day.

Carmona will speak in Room 375 at NSF headquarters, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va.

A Bronx Community College graduate, Carmona grew up in an economically impoverished area of New York City, where he dropped out of high school. He enlisted in the Army, joined the Special Forces and was decorated for combat in Vietnam.

Before leaving active duty, Camona earned his G.E.D. He then enrolled at Bronx Community College, where he received an associate of arts degree. Carmona went on to earn undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of California, San Francisco. He graduated from the University of California Medical School at the top of his class.

A trauma surgeon, Carmona also earned a masters of public health degree from the University of Arizona, serving as a professor at the university and as chairman of the state's Southern Regional Emergency Medical System.  While surgeon and deputy sheriff of Pima County he received the Top Cop award from the National Association of Police Officers. He continues to work closely with the nation's first responders.

Now the nation's top surgeon and highest-ranking medical official for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Carmona heads the nation’s Public Health Service, serving as the key spokesperson on health initiatives, policies and programs.

Following Carmona's remarks, he will meet with students and faculty from Prince George's Community College  in Maryland. Photos may be taken during Carmona's visit.

Media representatives are invited to the event.  For entrance to the event, contact the NSF media officer listed in the advisory.

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WHO:     Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, U.S. Surgeon General
WHAT:   Remarks: Community Colleges and Public Health: Meeting the Challenges:  Making the Connections
WHEN:   April 25, 2005, 2:00 p.m., Eastern time
WHERE:  National Science Foundation, Room 375, 4201 Wilson Blvd.,  Arlington, Va. (Ballston metro stop)  (Check in at the security desk, 9th & Stuart Streets entrance)

-NSF-

Media Contacts
William C. Noxon, NSF (703) 292-7750 wnoxon@nsf.gov

Program Contacts
Harry G. Ungar, NSF (703) 292-8670 hungar@nsf.gov

Related Websites
Biography of Richard H. Carmona, U.S. Surgeon General: http://www.hhs.gov/about/bios/sg.html

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, with an annual budget of $6.06 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 45,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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