The inaugural Blair Symposium took place on April 26, 2024 with over 400 attendees and virtual participants worldwide who came to honor the life and legacy of Steven N. Blair. After welcoming remarks from the Dean, Provost and one of Blair’s closest colleagues, Russell Pate, the event included a memorial of Blair’s contributions. Six sessions followed, with the audience hearing from experts on topics ranging from cardiorespiratory fitness to aging women to fitness trackers. Watch the video for a full recount of this celebratory event.
The unexpected passing of Distinguished Professor Emeritus Steven N. Blair last month has had a widespread impact on Arnold School faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. A member of both the Department of Exercise Science and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, his pioneering work in the field of exercise epidemiology reached far beyond the University of South Carolina and spanned six decades. However, the prolific Blair accomplished more than most could in a century-long career, resulting in many of the highest honors in the fields of kinesiology and public health.
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Celebrating the legacy of Steven N. Blair, B.A., M.S., M.S., P.E.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus
In 2006, Dr. Blair established The Steve Blair Physical Activity Fund in the Department of Exercise Science. As a passionate teacher and mentor, Dr. Blair’s intention was to help support funding for Ph.D students, postdoctoral scholars, physical activity programming, research projects and innovative pilot studies. Thanks to Dr. Blair’s vision and generosity, this fund continues to play an important role in supporting our students and helping to make important educational opportunities like The Blair Symposium possible. While there will not be any fees charged for attendance, contributions to The Steve Blair Physical Activity Fund – at any level – are welcomed and sincerely appreciated.