The Louis de La Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI) commemorated 50 years of excellence in mental health research and education in a celebration hosted in the USF Gibbons Alumni Center on Friday. More than 150 attendees gathered to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and honor the legacy of FMHI.
David de la Parte spoke about his father, Louis de la Parte, for whom the institute is named.
After a welcome from Kathleen Moore, PhD, director of FMHI, David de la Parte, Esq, president of Speros FL and executive vice president and general counsel of Moffitt Cancer Center, spoke about his father, Louis de la Parte, for whom the institute is named, and his legacy.
David Shern, PhD, former dean of FMHI, introduced special guest Anita Everett, MD, DFAPA, director of the Center for Mental Health Services within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, who spoke about FMHI's impact on mental health programs throughout the years.
Multiple awards were also given out at the event, including the Recovery Advocate Award, which was presented to former USF football player and Super Bowl champion Bruce (BJ) Daniels, Jr. The Outstanding Behavioral Health Research Faculty Award was awarded to Kathleen Heide, PhD, Distinguished University Professor in the USF Department of Criminology, and the Community Leadership Award was given to Captain Kert Rojka, director of the Support Services Division of the Tampa Police Department. The Bob Friedman Endowed Scholarship Award was presented to Kimberly Menendez, MS, a doctoral student in behavioral and community Sciences and senior curriculum developer of Too Good prevention education programs.
Prior to the FMHI Anniversary Reception and Awards, CBCS faculty, staff, and graduate students had the opportunity to meet with Everett. Photos from both the Meet-and-Greet with Anita Everett and the FMHI 50th Anniversary Reception and Awards are now available.