The Dr. Saba Masho Endowed Scholarship in Epidemiology was initiated in 2018 by a contribution from Dr. Abraham Teklu in loving memory of his wife, Saba W. Masho, MD, MPH, DrPH. Since then, interested friends, colleagues, and alumni have started making contributions toward the scholarship fund to provide substantial and meaningful support for PhD and MPH students in epidemiology and public health.  The endowed scholarship honors the impact and legacy of Dr. Masho’s outstanding contributions to public health through her many years of dedicated teaching, mentoring, and research at Virginia Commonwealth University.  

We are proud to honor her by ensuring that the Epidemiology Division that she chaired will grow and prosper, inspired by her memory.

Division Chair, Professor, teacher, and mentor Dr. Saba Masho passed away on May 28, 2018, after a lengthy illness. A vital member of the Division of Epidemiology (formerly known as the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health) since 2001, Dr. Masho served as an inspiration to countless faculty members, staff, and perhaps most importantly, graduate students. As family, friends, and colleagues gathered to celebrate her life, it became evident how many lives she impacted in myriad ways. In addition to the importance and far-reaching significance of her work, her guidance, friendship, and kindness were particularly meaningful to all who crossed paths with her.

Each year, the Christopher "Kim" Buttery Award recognizes one student who displays excellence in chronic disease epidemiology, bridging research and practice within public health. The award was established in 2017 in honor of C.M.G. Buttery, M.D., M.P.H., a faculty member who taught hundreds of public health students at VCU over the past three decades. Student awardees are recognized with a monetary award that comes from generous donations by friends of the Delta Eta Chapter.