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Spinal Cord Injury Hall of Fame announces inductees
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by Mary Helen Yarborough
Public Relations
James Walker Coleman III worked quietly and diligently providing wisdom
and guidance to MUSC leadership for 40 years. He also dedicated his
life, which ended suddenly on July 14, to help victims of spinal cord
injury (SCI) overcome unconscionable challenges.
Because of his achievements and support, which contributed to MUSC
achieving national status as an SCI research facility, Coleman has been
named to the National SCI Hall of Fame.
In a fitting tribute to the champions of spinal cord injury (SCI)
research and support, New Orleans jazz will serve as the soundtrack for
the annual SCI Hall of Fame gala Nov. 17 at the Contemporary Arts
Center in New Orleans, La.
The black tie optional gala will feature performances by Ellis
Marsalis, regarded by many as the premier modern jazz pianist in New
Orleans, and his quartet, along with music from the Jonathan Batiste
Trio.
“This is a reminder of all the quiet and wonderful work Walker Coleman
did for the spinal cord injury group,” said Sarah King, DHA, director
of the Office of Public Relations. “How fitting for Walker that the
event is taking place in his second favorite city and that jazz is the
music of choice.”
“The university and our community lost a good friend. Walker was one of
those unique individuals who quietly worked behind the scenes to give
back to his community while avoiding any personal recognition for his
numerous contributions,” said his longtime friend and MUSC general
counsel Joseph C. Good, J.D. “He possessed a true appreciation and zest
for life. Among his loves was jazz. It brought balance to his life and
hours of enjoyment. It is very appropriate that he be recognized and
remembered in this way.”
“Walker was a quiet hero, working hard to help scientists receive the
support that they needed to advance research on spinal cord injuries.
As in all of his pursuits Walker was driven by a passion to help
others,” said MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D.
The fourth annual SCI Hall of Fame Gala was originally scheduled for
Sept. 25. However, the destruction and stress placed on the
infrastructure and service-delivery systems of the Gulf coast region by
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike necessitated a postponement.
Among the other honorees at this year’s event are comedian Robin
Williams; U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy; Marc A. Buoniconti, who suffered a
debilitating ScI while playing football for The Citadel; and Bernard
Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot.
Nov. 14, 2008
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