Charles Nemeroff, M.D., Ph.D., Leonard M. Miller Professor and Chairman of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, served as program chair of the Annual Meeting of the American College of Psychiatrists held last month in Fort Lauderdale. This year the organization invited South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to receive its Public Service Award.

Dr. Nemeroff presented the award to Archbishop Tutu during a special ceremony at the annual meeting. The award citation read, in part, "in official recognition of his tireless defense of human rights and his steadfast support for the world's oppressed populations." Tutu then delivered the meeting's Presidential Lecture.

"It was a great pleasure to spend time with Archbishop Tutu at this event," said Dr. Nemeroff. "He is one of the true heroes - fearless in his steadfast stance against those who oppose fundamental human rights. In addition, on a personal level, he has a fabulous sense of humor and tremendous personal warmth."

Last year, President Obama awarded Archbishop Tutu the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, for his efforts to promote world peace. In 1984, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his fight against apartheid in South Africa.