NABC’s Minton Honored with Diversity In Cancer Research Grant Coaches vs. Cancer has united coaches and fans nationwide to help the American Cancer Society defeat a common enemy - cancer. And Reggie Minton has been a leading force in the effort for nearly 30 years. In early June at the Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Invitational and Circle of Honor Dinner in Wisconsin, Coaches vs. Cancer unveiled the Reggie Minton Diversity in Cancer Research Internship Grant, which will serve as a single grant named in his honor supporting the Society’s broader Diversity in Cancer Research Internship grant program. By providing the opportunity to pursue cancer research as a career, this program will make a direct and potentially life altering impact in the lives of more than 20 undergraduate students. “Throughout his career, Reggie Minton was a tireless supporter of the life-saving work of Coaches vs. Cancer and a staunch advocate for the cause of diversity and inclusion,” said Craig Robinson, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. “The American Cancer Society Reggie Minton Diversity in Cancer Research Internship Grants bring together those two passions and are a fitting tribute to Reggie’s legacy.” High-quality research requires a research community comprised of people with unique perspectives and contrasting experiences. To help improve inclusion and diversity in the scientific community, the Society is launching an inaugural program to engage undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds in hands-on cancer research and provide career development support in the hopes they will pursue a career in research. The initial $250,000 for the grant was provided by Sanford Health.
“I’m humbled by this gesture from the American Cancer Society, but more importantly, I’m excited about the Research Internship Grant program’s potential to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” Minton said. “Throughout my career I’ve seen first-hand the impact of ACS and Coaches vs. Cancer, and I’m confident this new program will serve to further their life-saving work.” Coaches throughout the nation - including Iowa coach Fran McCaffery and his wife, Margaret - rallied to support the development of the internship program because of Minton’s impact on Coaches vs. Cancer over the decades. “Reggie’s dedication to Coaches vs. Cancer helped to make the program what it is today for the NABC and the American Cancer Society,” said Natalie Morrison, ACS’ strategic director of Coaches vs. Cancer. “While Reggie will be missed, his impact on the fight against cancer will continue through the commitment of coaches across the nation to Coaches vs. Cancer. And that commitment saves lives. Reggie’s efforts over the years have made a remarkable impact in the fight to save lives. We are so fortunate to call Reggie a friend, a teammate and a coach.” If you are interested in helping to secure additional funding or would like to make a donation in honor of Reggie Minton, please contact Fran and Margaret McCaffery at margaretmccaffery@me.com or Natalie Morrison at natalie. morrison@cancer.org.
Minton joined the NABC staff in 2000 after 16 years as head men’s basketball coach at the United States Air Force Academy. He retired late last year after serving as NABC deputy executive director since 2004. He has been intimately involved with Coaches vs. Cancer helping the program to raise over $135 million since its inception in 1993.
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