The Outstanding Black Alumnus Award is presented to a graduate who has uniquely distinguished themselves in their professional career, shown remarkable leadership capabilities and positively impacted their community.

This year’s recipient is Dr. Bambi W. Gaddist, ’88 Doctor of Public Health, Arnold School of Public Health

Bambi W. Gaddist has committed the past 35 years of her professional life working in the area of human sexuality with a specific focus on HIV/AIDS/STI community level mobilization, behavioral intervention and research, technical assistance/capacity building and the elimination of other health disparities.  She serves as Board of Directors for the Southern AIDS Coalition, National Black Women’s HIV/AIDS Network, National Black HIV/AIDS Advocacy and Policy Network and served as Chair of the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Care Crisis Task Force (2006-2012). 

She is a published researcher, author and consults with a host of national and local organizations.  In 2008, Gaddist was selected as a CNN Hero and featured on CNN/Essence Magazine’s “Recapturing The Dream” during August 2009. 

Gaddist is co-founder and currently serves as CEO of the South Carolina HIV Council, a non profit HIV prevention organization, including the Wright Wellness Center, a sexual health treatment facility located in Columbia, South Carolina.  Read more here.