Vanderpool named inaugural Lee Smith Award recipient

After reviewing countless nominations of Marksmen spanning generations, the Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage & Honor Award committee is pleased to announce that Dr. David Vanderpool ’78 has been named its first recipient. This newly established award seeks to recognize graduates who elevate humanity by making a positive impact in our world. 

 

David Vanderpool, MD, is the CEO and founder of LiveBeyond, an international humanitarian organization based in Haiti providing healthcare, nutrition and education to communities in need. Vanderpool had led a successful private practice in Tennessee, but, following the 2010 earthquake that devastated that country, he decided to uproot his family and move to Haiti.  

 

Soon after the earthquake, Vanderpool established LiveBeyond and now operates a large base in Thomazeau, Haiti, which includes a school, medical clinic, demonstration farm and more. In the decade since its founding, LiveBeyond has succeeded in dramatically increasing the local population’s access to clean water, food and education, while also decreasing the infant and maternal mortality rate. Today, LiveBeyond provides more than 7,000 meals and 900,000 gallons of fresh water each day.  

 

“He’s a remarkable individual who embodies everything we are looking to recognize in this award,” Michael Flanagan ’90, chair of the Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage & Honor Award committee, said. “This is really his life’s mission. The impact that he has had on thousands of individuals over his time in Haiti is just truly incredible.” 

 

Please join us in hearing from Vanderpool on April 21, 2023, as he addresses students, faculty and alumni at a special Upper School assembly at 1 p.m. We will formally recognize and celebrate him at the Spring Alumni Dinner later that evening.