Congratulations to Jay Katzen, M.D. ’72, B.A. ’67, who was among six George Washington University alumni to receive the Alumni Outstanding Service Award at the 55th annual Alumni Outstanding Service Awards ceremony April 7 for their volunteer efforts in support of the University. The annual award is presented to those alumni who advance the mission of the University through dedicated volunteer efforts in support of its programs, thereby ensuring the University’s impact on our community and future generations of students.
Katzen is a practicing ophthalmologist with the Eye Center in Alexandria. A native Washingtonian, he serves as member of the the School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) Dean’s Council and the GW Board of Trustees, and, along with SMHS M.D. program classmate Stuart Kassen, M.D. ’72, FACP, MACR, he plays a key roll in the University’s comprehensive campaign — Making History: The Campaign for GW.
Katzen has built on the philanthropic efforts of Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen, who made a $10 million gift to GW in 2008 to fund a range of cancer research initiatives. Today, Katzen oversees the family foundation, which has contributed substantial resources to many local charities and organizations, including the GW Heart and Vascular Institute and Katzen Cancer Research Center.
"Dr. Katzen is a role model - an outstanding physician and volunteer," said Dennis Narango, associate dean and associate vice president for medicine and development and alumni relations. "He is a true friend to GW."
Past SMHS recipients of GW’s Alumni Outstanding Service Award include Lara Oboler, M.D. ’95, in 2014; Richard Popiel, M.D. ’81, RESD ’83, M.B.A., B.A. ’75, in 2013; Christopher L. Barley, M.D. ’93, in 2012; Jack Summer, M.D., RESD ’81, who received the Jane Lingo Alumni Outstanding Service Award in 2011; and Kerry Kuhn, M.D. ’73, RESD ’77, B.A. ’70, in 2009.
