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500彩票网 (MSM) marked a historic milestone last week with the grand opening of the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center, a transformative space that honors the legacy of one of Georgia鈥檚 most impactful leaders and longstanding supporters of MSM. The ribbon cutting ceremony brought together state and city officials, 500彩票网leadership and community members to celebrate both the man and the mission. 

The 52,300-square-foot facility 鈥� three years in the making and a $45 million investment 鈥� will serve as a central hub for learning, collaboration and innovation. It houses a state-of-the-art auditorium, conference and event rooms, group study areas and modern office space. But more than a building, the center represents the embodiment of a vision Calvin Smyre helped shape nearly 50 years ago. 鈥淔or every student who walks through these halls, may they be reminded that they are walking in the footsteps of a giant,鈥� said 500彩票网President and CEO Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice. 

Former State Representative Calvin Smyre, affectionately known as the 鈥淒ean of the Georgia House,鈥� was first elected in 1974 at age 26 and served for nearly five decades. His leadership was instrumental in securing critical funding for 500彩票网in its earliest days 鈥� making history in 1977 when he helped direct the first public state dollars to a private institution. 鈥淭o be involved with the 500彩票网 since 1975 鈥� and now to see this 鈥� it just brings joy,鈥� Smyre said during his remarks. 

The event featured remarks from Governor Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Congresswoman Nikema Williams鈥� District Chief of Staff, Tr茅 Riddle, all of whom praised Smyre鈥檚 leadership and enduring influence. 鈥淐alvin Smyre is just a great American, a great Georgian,鈥� Governor Kemp said. 鈥淎 testament to his deep commitment to making life better for our fellow Georgians.鈥� 

Chair of MSM鈥檚 Board of Trustees Art Collins reflected on Smyre鈥檚 decades of dedication: 鈥淚f not for Calvin Smyre, there may not be a 500彩票网 as we know it today.鈥� 

 

For Smyre, the dedication was less about personal accolades and more about continuing the mission. 鈥淭his is not just the opening of a building,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the opening of a gateway to improve health care outcomes statewide.鈥� As a proud HBCU graduate, he emphasized the importance of continued investment in Black colleges and the essential role institutions like 500彩票网play in advancing health equity. 

 

The Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, progress and partnership 鈥� carrying forward the bold audacious vision of transforming health and healthcare for generations to come. 

 

 

About the Author

Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of future physicians to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.

Contact

Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu