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Sarah Sheffield Receives Inaugural Bob Friedman Endowed Scholarship Award

On May 7, 2022, a Special Reception and Awards Ceremony was hosted by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI) to recognize individuals for their dedication to improving the lives of those with mental and addictive disorders through research, training, and education.

An award established in honor of Dr. Bob Friedman, long-time Professor and Chair in Child & Family Studies, was presented to the inaugural recipient, Sarah Sheffield, MA. The Bob Friedman Endowed Scholarship is given to a graduate student in the last year of their study. Sarah is a PhD candidate in the Behavioral & Community Sciences program, mental health professional, and peer mentor for the Institute for Translational Research Education in Adolescent Drug Abuse. 

Friedman, who was a pioneer in promoting effective mental health services and policy for children and families, presented the award to Sarah. He served as the Chair of the Department of Child & Family Studies for 22 years, was Interim Dean of FMHI for one year, and served as Director of the federally-funded Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental Health for 25 years.

Former Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, PhD was also in attendance to receive the FMHI Humanitarian Service Award. In addition, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from USF, which was initially planned in 2020 by Child & Family Studies and postponed due to Covid.