The "Forbes Day" Colloquium consists of presentations of student research in a "short talk" format. Students participating in the Colloquium are selected on the basis of the quality and clarity of a written description of the research project evaluated by members of the faculty. The presentations are also evaluated on the basis of the effectiveness in communicating the research described. Outstanding presentations are recognized and a monetary award is made to participants. The solicitation of papers, judging of papers and scheduling of the Colloquium are coordinated by aStudent Committee composed of representatives from the Departments in which research in the sciences is conducted. The Colloquium is followed by a seminar presented by a speaker of international stature invited by the Student Committee. The Seminar is preceded by the announcement of the results of the evaluation of the Colloquium presentations and School and Department awards.

The Forbes family has established a fund to support the Forbes Day activities. The faculty and students of the Medical College of Virginia Campus and Virginia Commonwealth University extend our deep appreciation to the Forbes family for their continuing support of scholarly achievement.

John Campbell Forbes received his Bachelors degree in 1920 and his Masters degree in 1922 from Saskatchewan University. In 1925, he received his Doctoral degree from McGill University. He joined the faculty of the Medical College of Virginia as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry in 1927, being promoted to Associate Professor in 1932 and Professor in 1944. In 1965, Dr. Forbes was appointed as an Emeritus Professor. Dr. Forbes died on May 25, 1989 at the age of 94. He was internationally recognized as an authority in cholesterol-atherosclerosis research and alcoholism.

During his tenure at MCV, Dr. Forbes became the first chairman of the Committee on Graduate Studies in 1934, supervising the first two graduate students receiving their degree from MCV. Because of his insight and dedication to the advancement and excellence in research and as a pioneer in graduate education, the School of Medicine, in recognition of Dr. Forbes, continues its awareness and promotion of those students who have and are dedicating their lives to the advancement of science.