President Steger Earns First Drake Diamond Award From: University Currents Date: April 14, 2000 Archive: Campus News The Friends of Drake Foundation awarded UC President Joseph A. Steger its inaugural Diamond Award during a recognition dinner Saturday, April 8. President Steger has served as chairman of the Drake Center's Board of Trustees since 1989. The Diamond Award was established to honor an individual, company, or organization which has made a significant contribution to the lives of Drake Center patients. He was selected as the first recipient of the Diamond Award for his many years of service to the Drake Center and his leadership on the center's board. "Dr. Steger's vision for Drake includes an affiliation with the UC College of Medicine, and a campus and programs that meet the community's need for a world-class rehabilitation center," said Roberta Bradford, Drake Center president and CEO. Drake officials also noted that the center "has undergone a significant transformation and has emerged as one of the premiere rehabilitation and restorative health care facilities in the nation." The Diamond Award celebration also marked the launch of a new fund-raising program through the Friends of Drake Foundation. More than 400 people attended the dinner, and $130,000 was raised.