The 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis Foundation has recognized John and Lesli Chuck 鈥84 with the prestigious 2018 Charles J. Soderquist Award. The annual award is presented to individuals who demonstrate excellence in philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership, and an overall commitment to the University of California, Davis.
John completed his medical residency at 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis and has been a family physician with The Permanente Medical Group for 28 years. Lesli graduated from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, as did their daughter Kelly earlier this year.
The Chucks are passionate about making medical care accessible to everyone. This passion motivated them to start Serotonin Surge Charities more than 20 years ago. The charity has benefited many of the 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis School of Medicine-affiliated student-run health clinics, along with other organizations such as Cure Breast Cancer. The Chucks have also supported undergraduate scholarships and 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis Intercollegiate Athletics.
鈥淲e are very pleased to recognize Lesli and John as this year鈥檚 recipients of the Charles J. Soderquist Award. The Chucks are shining examples of how volunteers and donors can make a huge difference in their philanthropic passions at 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis,鈥 said Bruce Bell, chair of the 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis Foundation Board of Trustees.
The 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis Foundation is a nonprofit organization that enhances the excellence of 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis by highlighting the impacts of philanthropy and stewarding private donations to the university. The foundation鈥檚 Board of Trustees created the Soderquist Award in 2005 in honor of 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis alumnus, entrepreneur and philanthropist Charles J. Soderquist. It awards the recipients $5,000, which they donate to a university program or field of their choice. The Chucks have decided to support The Pantry, a student-run organization at the university that provides students in need with access to up to three meals a day.
鈥淚 have a heart for students, especially those juggling full-time academics with a job or multiple jobs to finance their education,鈥 said Lesli, who serves as the event planner for Serotonin Surge Charities. 鈥淒onating to The Pantry offers a wonderful opportunity to give back to students in need of these resources.鈥
The Chucks also participated in Give Day by challenging the 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis community to give 25 gifts to The Pantry during the universitywide fundraising event. The challenge was met, and 27 donors contributed a total of $7,046 to The Pantry.
A 鈥榝avorite鈥 award among many
John previously won the Sidney Garfield Exceptional Contribution Award in 2004 for his work in physician recruitment and mentoring at Kaiser Permanente. He was also the winner of the 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis Cal Aggie Alumni Association鈥檚 2014 Outstanding Alumnus Award. John said the Charles J. Soderquist Award is his favorite recognition, however.
鈥淭he Soderquist Award acknowledges the partnership Lesli and I have had in this work for over two decades and affirms our belief that it is possible to make good things happens for our communities through volunteerism and collaboration.鈥
He added that this award is mostly a tribute to everyone who has been a part of Serotonin Surge Charities over the years. He and Lesli are excited for the future of the organization, and the continuation of their partnership and involvement with the university.
鈥溞掳拿帕喜誓谀恍畔 Davis has done a lot for both Lesli and I personally and professionally 鈥 it launched our careers and helped us meet fabulous professors, staff and students,鈥 John said. 鈥淚t is my firm belief that 新澳门六合彩内幕信息 Davis is the university that best combines excellence with kindness 鈥 it is a privilege to be part of that.鈥
Media Resources
Laura Pizzo, Development and Alumni Relations, 530-750-3115, lpizzo@ucdavis.edu