The National Academy of Medicine remembers Sandra H. Matthews, a beloved colleague and friend, on the occasion of her passing on February 16, 2022. Mrs. Matthews supported three presidents throughout her tenure at the Institute of Medicine (IOM), in addition to contributing her guidance and wisdom to many other projects. Mrs. Matthews notably chaired the African American Histories Program. The program recognizes the contributions of outstanding African Americans to science, engineering, medicine, and to the nation’s welfare. Mrs. Matthews was instrumental in securing notable speakers for the program every year, and ensuring that school-age children from the DC area were invited to attend and learn more about careers in science and medicine.
The Sandra H. Matthews Cecil Award for Administrative Excellence was named in her honor in 2010, in recognition of her outstanding service to the IOM, and is the only award bestowed by the IOM/NAM that carries a former staffer’s name.
She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her loved ones at this time. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Sandra’s memory and legacy, the Matthews family requests that donations be made to the National Academy of Medicine Sandra H. Matthews Cecil Award for Administrative Excellence.
Donations can be mailed to:
National Academy of Medicine
The Keck Center
500 5th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Attn: Michael McGinnis, EO
