The Manire Awards for the most significant and impressive doctoral research projects are given in memory of Dr. G. Philip Manire, a friend and mentor to many people in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. Phil served as Chair from 1966 to 1979, years that were marked by a major growth in faculty and international recognition for molecular biology, microbiology, and immunology research at UNC. However, Phil’s most lasting professional contribution was his nurturing leadership style that cemented a spirit of collegiality and family among a department of very diverse interests and personalities.
In 2004, the Department of Microbiology & Immunology set up a trust fund in honor of Phil Manire. Started from a patent royalty, the fund was originally created as a remembrance of Phil’s contributions to the intellectual life of the department and his devotion to graduate education. The fund provides for an annual award to recognize outstanding research by a senior graduate student in the department. Nominations for the award are solicited from the faculty each Spring, and a committee evaluates the applicants based on the quality and significance of the student’s research. The award is $1000 and is considered to be the most prestigious departmental recognition of a graduate student’s research accomplishments.
Twenty-one years after his retirement, Phil passed away on November 4, 2010. Phil’s children have requested that donations in his memory be directed to this same fund as a continuing tribute to his career of commitment to graduate research and education. If you wish to contribute, you can do this online:
Navigate to https://secure.dev.unc.edu/gift/
Press “Please select a School/Unit/Program” and choose “School of Medicine”
Press “Please select a Fund” and choose “G.P. Manire Excellence in Research Award”
You can use a credit card and you will receive a receipt for your tax-deductible donation. Thank you!