Memorial Services for Dr. Samuel H. Black
After attending the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and serving two years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, Dr. Black received his Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Michigan in 1961. He taught at several other schools before coming to the College of Medicine in 1975.
At the College of Medicine, Dr. Black served as Professor and Head of Medical Microbiology and Immunology from 1975 to 1990, Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Undergraduate Medical Education from 1985 to 1987, Interim Dean for the College of Medicine from 1987 to 1988, Associate Dean of the College of Medicine from 1988 to 1990 and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 1990 to 1991. He also served on various committees during his tenure, including Speaker of the Faculty Senate from 1986 to 1987.
His many honors include the Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching from Texas A&M University in 1982 and 1989; University Faculty Lecturer from Texas A&M University in 1987 to 1988; the Distinguished Teaching Award from Texas A&M University in 1997; the Best Lecturer in the Second Year by the medical classes of 1981 and 1982; and Inaugural Lecturer for the Black-Zandveld Lecture in the History of Medicine and the George C.Y. Chiou Lecture in Pharmacology. The Samuel H. Black, Ph.D., Lecture Hall in the Reynolds Medical Building was dedicated in May 2003.
Dr. Black was a founding member of the faculty of the new College of Medicine in 1977. He was the first head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and his vision shaped the "personality" of the department as it exists even today. He was a consummate administrator and a mentor to the young faculty members who joined him along the way. He was a spellbinding lecturer who incorporated history and literature into his presentations on the infectious plagues of humankind. He was a role model to many of us; setting an example as a caring, involved and deeply principled colleague. The College of Medicine owes much of its success for the past 30 years to the efforts of Sam Black. His legacy endures in the hearts of the countless staff members, faculty members and students whose lives he touched.
Dr. Black is preceded in death by his wife, Elisabeth Zandveld Black. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Kenneth Billett of Memphis, Tennessee; daughter Alisa Black of Dallas; sister Joyce Dickerson of Pennsylvania; brother Richard Black of Pennsylvania; and beloved grandchildren, Emily Billett and Zachary Billett of Memphis, Tennessee.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2007 at Memorial Funeral Home in Bryan. Dr. Robert Leslie will officiate. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the Robert Stone Pavilion in the Medical Sciences Courtyard at the College of Medicine on Texas A&M University’s West Campus. Parking will be available in Lot 72 off Olsen Drive.
Memorials may be made to the Texas A&M Foundation. Dr. Black established several endowments for Texas A&M and the College of Medicine to which his family will direct contributions. Gifts may be sent to: Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840.
