Faculty, students, administrators and friends of the School of Engineering and School of Medicine will hold a memorial to honor professor and mentor Matthew Walker III. Walker was a beloved professor and mentor who developed and taught Vanderbilt University’s biomedical engineering design curriculum and served as the associate director of the Medical Innovators Development Program. Walker died suddenly on April 24.
The virtual memorial service will stream live from Benton Chapel on Saturday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to noon CST. A small audience of 25 invited guests from the Walker family and Vanderbilt faculty will attend in person, in compliance with campus COVID protocols. The virtual memorial service is open to the public.
Speakers honoring Walker will include:
- André L. Churchwell, MD, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
- Philippe M. Fauchet, Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering
- Reed A. Omary, MD, Carol D. & Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and chair, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, professor of Biomedical Engineering; director, Medical Innovators Development Program (MIDP)
- Michael R. King, J. Lawrence Wilson Professor of Engineering and chair, Biomedical Engineering Department
- Isom B. Kelly III, PhD, student in Biomedical Engineering and Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-Bridge program participant
- Eden M. Lyons, student in Medical Innovators Development Program
- Katina R. Beard, Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Care Center, Inc.
- Todd D. Giorgio, professor of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Cancer Biology
- Jerry C. Collins, adjunct professor at Alabama A&M University and Lipscomb University
While it is very likely that many Vanderbilt and VUMC community members will wish to express condolences and pay respects to Professor Walker and his family in person at the funeral, capacity restrictions have been met for the service. All are welcome to attend the following visitation services:
- Public viewing on Tuesday, May 4, at Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors from 3-5 p.m.
- Family visitation on Wednesday, May 5, at Schrader Lane Church of Christ from 10-11 a.m.
Walker is survived by his wife, Anna Walker, son, Matthew Walker IV, sister, Nicole Walker, and mother, Ramona Bard.
