Seventy years ago, in 1951, Robert C. Benassi (above, left) became the first to receive a Master of Science in Medical Illustration (MSMI) degree from the Medical College of Georgia, now Augusta University. Under the initial guidance of Professor O.A. Parkes (above, right), the Medical Illustration Graduate Program—the oldest graduate program at AU—has grown and thrived over the years. Known for our focus on surgery and surgical illustration, our award-winning alumni have become leaders in the field. In 2021, we bestowed the 408th MSMI degree.
During Alumni Weekend, October 22 - 24, 2021, we will all come together again in Augusta to honor our first graduate and to celebrate all our alumni and their amazing accomplishments.
The 70th Anniversary Celebration will include both social & networking activities, an alumni exhibit, as well as continuing education events. In honor of our first Program Director, the continuing education events are organized as the O.A. Parkes Symposium. For Certified Medical Illustrators, most of the continuing education events will be eligible for CEUs. Registration for the 70th Anniversary Celebration & O.A. Parkes Symposium covers all activities and events, including meals. Lodging and transportation are not included.
For those unable to attend in person, there virtual attendance is possible via Zoom. You must register, whether attending virtually or in person.
Learn More About the History of Medical Illustration at AU.
Register for the 70th Anniversary Celebration
Robert C. Benassi, MSMI, first graduate of the Medical Illustration Graduate Program.
3:00 – 6:00 70th Anniversary & O. A. Parkes Symposium Onsite Registration & Hospitality Terrace Room
All day Alumni exhibit
8:00 – 8:15 Welcome & conference opening, with remarks by President Brooks A.
Keel, PhD
8:15 – 9:00 The Creation & Evolution of Covid Imaging, with Alissa Eckert (’06) & Dan Higgins
9:00 – 10:30 New methods & new techniques, with the Class of 2021: Madison Christian, Mason Goth,Anekay Kelly, Andrea Lacy,
Linden Pederson,
Max Perim, Kristin Piciacchia, Jordan Thornton and AnnElizabeth
White-Canale
11:00 – 11:30 iSO-FORM's Illustration Workflow, with Andrew Swift (’99)
11:30 – 12:00 Custom Simulation Models, with Amanda Behr
1:00 – 1:45 Injury Illustrated: The History and Future, with Annie Gough (’01)
1:45 – 2:45 Illustrating a Rhinoplasty Atlas, with Kip Carter (’82)
3:15 – 4:00 The Life of Robert C. Benassi (’51), with Bill Andrews
6:00 – 7:00 Reception (cash bar) at the Snelling Conference Center
7:00 – 9:00 Dinner, honoring Kip Carter, at the Snelling Conference Center
Includes: From Clay to Bronze: Honoring Robert C. Benassi, with Gillian Duncan (’77)
All day Alumni exhibit, at the Marriott Hotel
8:45 – 9:00 Session opening, with remarks by Provost Neil J. MacKinnon, PhD
9:00 – 10:30 Seven Cavernous Malformations: Illustrating and Modeling Microneurosurgical Cerebral Approaches, with Mark Schornak (’87),
Dani VanBrabant (’18), Kristen L. Keil (’06) & Peter Lawrence
(’16)
10:45 – 11:30 Coffee Stain Technique for Scientific Illustrators - Featuring the Art of Gerald P. Hodge and Tim Phelps, with Deborah Ravin
11:30 – 12:00 Medical Illustration in Neurosurgery, with Cargill H. Alleyne, Jr, MD
12:00 – 1:00 President’s Luncheon, on the Quad
1:15 – 1:45 A. Tour, Medical Sculpture Lab in Shepeard Bldg., Rm 217; B. Tour, Dept. of Medical Illustration in Pavilion 3, Suite 1101
2:00 – 2:30 A. Tour, Dept. of Medical Illustration, in Pavilion 3, Suite 1101; B.. Tour, Medical Sculpture Lab in Shepeard Bldg., Rm 217
3:00 – 3:45 How Understanding Marketing Strategies Can Improve Your Career, with Bill Westwood (’72), at the Harrison Education Commons
3:45 – 4:30 Looking at Our Roots, with Bill Andrews
6:00 – 7:00 Reception (cash bar), at the Marriott Hotel
6:00 – 7:00 Silent auction, at the Marriott Hotel
7:00 – 9:00 Dinner, honoring Bill Westwood, at the Marriott Hotel
Includes: Live Auction
9:00 – 9:15 Session opening
9:15 – 10:30 In Memoriam: Octavia Garlington
10:30 – 11:30 Looking Over the Horizon, with Jeanette R. Little (’90)
11:30 – 12:00 Remembering O.A. Parkes, with Stephen D. Parkes
12:00 – 1:00 Farewell brunch
Registration for the 70th Anniversary Celebration.
If you would like to sponsor or underwrite an event or activity during the 70th Anniversary Celebration & O.A. Parkes Symposium, please complete the Sponsorship Form.
The official hotel for the celebration is the Marriott Hotel at 2 10th Street, Augusta, GA 30901 (Ph: 706-722-8900).
For questions and requests for additional information, please contact medart@augusta.edu or call 706-721-3266.
