Savannah Speech and Hearing Center (SSHC) is proud to announce Thien Duy “Ben” Chen as the 2025 recipient of the Annie F. Oliver Volunteer of the Year Award, an honor presented annually since 1978 to recognize extraordinary dedication and service to the Center’s mission.

Born and raised in Savannah to Vietnamese parents, Ben has remained deeply rooted in his hometown community. A 2022 graduate of Georgia Tech, he spent two years in Atlanta before returning home to begin medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. With plans to pursue a career in Family Medicine and eventually open his own clinic, Ben is driven by a passion for advocating for accessible healthcare for those in need. During his time volunteering at SSHC, Ben has played a vital role in strengthening the Center’s connection with the Medical College of Georgia. His leadership has helped bring fellow medical students into both the Center and its Sound Start early-intervention auditory/verbal program, expanding the depth of community engagement and volunteer support.

The Annie F. Oliver Volunteer of the Year award has been given on an annual basis since 1978, celebrating extraordinary dedication and service supporting the mission of Savannah Speech & Hearing Center in providing access to comprehensive speech, hearing, language and other therapeutic services that empower and transform lives.