Two New Scholarships Emerge, Inspired by Global Diabetes Research Leader
Two philanthropic couples recently established endowed scholarships as a tribute to the research and leadership of K.M. Venkat Narayan, MD, founder and co-director of the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC). Both couples are members of the EGDRC Trusted Advisor group established this year.
Hubert Family Scholarship
Rollins Dean’s Council members Richard (Dick) Hubert, his wife Linda Lentz Hubert, and The Hubert Foundation are longtime transformational partners of the Rollins School of Public Health. They share a mission of improving the quality of life for people worldwide through innovative approaches to solving the world’s health challenges. In 2006, in recognition of the family’s generosity and commitment to supporting the school’s global health initiatives, Rollins dedicated the Hubert Department of Global Health in the family’s honor. It was the first solely Emory named department and the first named global health department among the nation's schools of public health.
Although retired as a partner in the law firm of Chamberlain Hrdlicka after a long career as a successful trial attorney, Dick Hubert continues to be an advocate for one of his strongest cases—investment in global health excellence at Rollins. Linda Hubert, professor emerita of English at Agnes Scott College, is an equally passionate advocate for public health.
“Dr. Venkat Narayan has impressed us for years with his brilliance, dedication, and resourceful initiatives in the struggle against the ubiquitous plague of diabetes,” the Huberts shared. “The Hubert family is pleased to help honor his successful efforts to establish the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center by contributing to scholarship support for fortunate students who will benefit from his teaching and research.”
Subra, Anu, & Kiran Bhat Foundation Scholarship
Since 2019, Drs. Subrahmanya and Anapurna Bhat and their son, Kiran Bhat, have been advancing education, improving the health of low-income and underserved populations, and fostering community engagement through the philanthropic efforts of their nonprofit organization, the Subra, Anu, & Kiran Bhat Foundation.
Anu Bhat is an internal medicine physician and rheumatology specialist. She completed her fellowship in rheumatology at Emory University and practices in Stockbridge, Georgia, at the Bhat and Bhat Medical Center with her husband. Subra Bhat has more than 30 years of experience as a pulmonologist, critical care physician, and internal medicine specialist. The couple’s son, Kiran, is a novelist and poet.
The Bhats’ commitment to education and nurturing the next generation of public health leaders, their deep concern about the worldwide diabetes crisis, and their appreciation of the groundbreaking global work of the EGDRC inspired them to create a scholarship in Dr. Narayan’s honor.
“We are extremely happy to support diabetes research, prevention, and treatment through this new scholarship at Rollins,” says Subra Bhat. The family announced their generous gift to the EGDRC during their foundation’s annual gala in July.
