The Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success™ Foundation (CPASS) proudly celebrates another extraordinary milestone achieved by one of our own. We are honored to recognize Dr. Mildred MG Olivier, distinguished physician leader, educator, and proud alumna of the Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program™ (CAHMCP), on being named the recipient of the 2026 Humanitarian Global Health Award by the Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC). The award will be presented at the 2026 IOMC Annual Leadership Awards & Annual Meeting on June 25, 2026 in Chicago.
This recognition comes on the heels of Dr. Olivier also being honored by the CPASS Foundation as the 2025 John Bradley STEM Award for Inspirational Leadership recipient—a distinction celebrating leaders whose work has expanded pathways and opportunities for future generations in STEMM and healthcare. A nationally respected ophthalmologist, educator, and advocate, Dr. Olivier has dedicated her career to mentorship, global health outreach, physician leadership development, and advancing opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals. Her lifelong commitment to service continues to embody the values first cultivated through CAHMCP and now carried forward by CPASS.
Adding to the significance of this moment, Dr. Olivier will be recognized alongside fellow CAHMCP alumnus Dr. William McDade, who was also announced as the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. The fact that two CAHMCP alumni are being celebrated at the same awards ceremony is a powerful reflection of the enduring impact of the pathway model established decades ago and sustained today through the mission of the CPASS Foundation. It is a testament not only to the individual excellence of these leaders, but also to the transformational power of investing in students early, intentionally, and consistently.
“This is an extraordinary moment for the CPASS and CAHMCP family,” said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Chair of the CPASS Foundation Board of Directors. “To see two CAHMCP alumni recognized by IOMC in the same year speaks volumes about the legacy of this program and the caliber of leaders it has helped shape. Dr. Olivier represents the very best of servant leadership—someone who has used her knowledge, compassion, and influence to open doors for others while improving lives around the world. We could not be prouder.”
Founded in 1979, CAHMCP was created to identify, encourage, and prepare talented students from communities historically underrepresented in healthcare careers. Today, CPASS continues that mission by providing immersive STEMM and health pathway programming designed to equip students with the academic foundation, leadership skills, mentorship, and exposure necessary to thrive in healthcare and STEMM professions.
As CPASS celebrates this remarkable honor, we extend our deepest congratulations to Dr. Olivier for her continued leadership, service, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of communities locally, nationally, and globally. Her journey continues to inspire the next generation of scholars who now follow in her footsteps.