UTEP Engineering Partner LIMBS International Awarded the 2019 Drucker Prize
Last Updated on October 14, 2019 at 12:00 AM
Originally published October 14, 2019
By UC Staff
UTEP Communications
LIMBS International, a local nonprofit organization with a partnership with The University of Texas at El Paso’s College of Engineering, was awarded the 2019 Drucker Prize from more than 400 nationwide nonprofits.
LIMBS International was recognized by Drucker Prize judges for its innovative and holistic programs for lower-limb amputees in developing countries. The judges also recognized the organization’s promise to further leverage innovation moving forward.
LIMBS International’s mission is to transform the lives of amputees in developing countries through community engagement and research and development of sustainable, affordable prosthetic solutions. A key aspect of the LIMBS’ mission is to provide college students the opportunity to participate in positive, life-changing experiences through research and development (R&D) projects in emerging nations.
Founder and former CEO of LIMBS, Roger Gonzalez, Ph.D., is Chair and professor in the Engineering Education and Leadership department at UTEP. His expertise is in mechanical and biomedical engineering. Gonzalez said this award shows that LIMBS is committed to innovating their technology and processes.
“It is an honor to be recognized for our international work for the past 15 years,” he said. “Our partnership with UTEP has continued to allow us to make the needed adjustment to be more effective in helping more of the poorest-of-the-poor amputees.”
Zach First, executive director of the Drucker Institute said, “It would have been easy for LIMBS International to be satisfied with its technical achievement of a $20 functional prosthetic. But it often takes social innovation to make technical innovation effective. And LIMBS International exemplifies this in the way they married their innovative prosthetic with an equally innovative local physical-therapy model. Thanks to their work, innocent victims of war and disease get a second chance to stand on their own two feet.”
Oscar Gonzalez Montoya, President of LIMBS International said, “We are greatly honored to be selected for the 2019 Drucker Prize. We look forward to implementing new innovative solutions that were inspired during the application process—addressing accessibility challenges and engaging communities to assist amputees in the developing world. We are thankful for this opportunity to increase our impact around the world.”
