University Kidney Research Organization (UKRO) honored USC academic and scientific leaders at its sixth gala dinner March 18 at The Beverly Hilton, with 300 attendees. This group of vocal champions of kidney disease research included Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Quick, PhD; scientist Andrew McMahon, PhD; surgeon Robert Selby, MD; and physician Yasir Qazi, MD.

UKRO presented its award for Extraordinary Achievement in Academic Leadership to Quick. As the university’s second-ranking officer, Quick is focused on tackling the “wicked problems” confronting the 21st century, faculty and student access and opportunity, educational value and affordability, and global impact.

McMahon, who serves as director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at the Keck School, received the Extraordinary Achievement in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Award. Selby and Qazi together received the Extraordinary Achievement in Kidney Transplantation Award. Selby is the division chief for hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery and abdominal organ transplantation. Qazi is the medical director of the kidney-pancreas transplant program at Keck Medical Center of USC.