Monique Motta, Class of 2022, is the first recipient of the Sanford “Sandy” Markham, M.D., Memorial Scholarship Award.

“I’m very honored to receive this scholarship honoring Dr. Markham,” said Motta. A Miami native raised by a single mom, she is a first-generation student who became interested in medicine in high school when her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. As an FIU undergrad, Motta participated in the Doctors of Tomorrow Program, a pipeline for minority students underrepresented in medicine.

“Sandy helped create that program and he was very proud of it as it has given the opportunity and resources to many students, like Monique, to pursue their dreams of going to medical school,” said Barbra Roller, assistant dean for academic affairs. The scholarship award was announced at a Celebration of Life ceremony held at the college of medicine in Markham’s honor.

Markham, who passed away last year, was one of the founding deans of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. He was the first Executive Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Motta says she is grateful for the $2000 scholarship. “Taking out loans for medical school was a very scary thing for me, but the scholarships are a big help to relieve some financial stress for me and my family.” She has also received an HWCOM scholarship, and she is a two-time recipient of the Rotary Club of Miami’s Thomas B. McClelland Scholarship. Motta helped found the HWCOM Rotaract Club and serves as vice-president.

Unless she changes her mind after clinical rotations, Motta aspires to be a pediatrician.

If you want to help other students, like Monique, by supporting the Markham Scholarship, contact our development office.