Minnesota Medical Foundation McNamara Alumni Center University of Minnesota 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55455-2030 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Minneapolis, MN Permit No. 155 with Kersey for 30 years. “I’ve never wit- nessed anyone who is as good at that as he is.” As founding director of the Cancer Center, Kersey has had a major influence in making the center what it is today — home to more than 400 cancer researchers and one of the nation’s 39 National Cancer Institute– designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. To honor Kersey’s professional contribu- tions to the field and his 15-year run as direc- tor, Cancer Center supporters are partnering with the University to establish an endowed chair in his honor. The John H. Kersey Chair in Cancer Research will be fully funded at $5 million – $2.5 million in donor contributions plus a dollar-for-dollar match from the University. Longtime Cancer Center proponents Barbara Forster and Winston and Maxine Wallin have A culture of collaboration Endowed chair to honor longtime Cancer Center director When asked to name Dr. John Kersey’s single greatest quality, those who know him well list several: honesty, fairness, and a collaborative spirit. “John’s legendary skill is listening to what people are interested in and then pulling them together to work toward a common goal,” says Tucker LeBien, Ph.D., deputy director of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center, who has worked continued on back page given a total of $500,000 to kick off the fund-raising effort. “There’s no way you can adequately honor the kind of work John has done, but this felt like our best attempt at doing that,” says Forster, who chairs the Cancer Center Community Advisory Board. “John Kersey played the key role in creat- ing the Comprehensive Cancer Center that we have today — a marvelous achievement,” adds Winston Wallin. A career commitment Kersey has devoted his entire career to the University of Minnesota. After graduating from the Medical School in 1964 and com- pleting residencies in pathology and pediat- rics here, he joined the faculty in 1971. He became director of the University’s Blood and Marrow Transplant Program in P H O TO : T IM R U M M EL H O FF A publication for supporters of health-related research and education at the University of Minnesota SPRINg 2007 Finding answers: A $1 million challenge fund will help researchers solve the puzzle of autism PAgE 2 Rein in Sarcoma: Hop on the carousel to support sarcoma research and education PAgE 5 Another chance: A family hopes its gift will encourage others to become organ donors PAgE 4 “There’s no way you can adequately honor the kind of work John Kersey has done.” – BARBARA FORSTER, CHAIR, CANCER CENTER COMMUNITy ADvISORy BOARD 2 givingmatters SPRINg 2007 At 18 months, Jimmy Reagan was a happy, healthy, affectionate toddler. Then something happened. By the time he turned 2, Jimmy was frail and strangely agitated. He quit speaking, and he cried all the time. His parents were frantic. In 1996 Jimmy was diagnosed with autism, a disorder that involves impaired social interactions and language difficulties but also can include a range of other medical problems. In Jimmy’s case, not only was his communication affected, he also had chronic ear infections, food allergies, gastrointestinal problems, and mouth pain. The Minnesota Medical Foundation salutes the 224 new physicians and 187 public health practitioners who gradu- ated from the University this spring — and the many people who helped make that achievement possible. In particular, we would like to recognize the many benefactors who operated behind the scenes, helping to ensure our students’ success. During this academic year alone, more than 4,600 donors contributed nearly $19 million through the foundation to support scholarships, research grants, and awards for medical and public health students. This investment in people and their poten- tial is what philanthropy is all about. Our cover story describes how generous — and grateful — benefactors are joining together to establish an endowed chair in honor of John Kersey, M.D., the Cancer Center’s founding director. That chair, which will be held by the center’s new director, Douglas yee, M.D., honors Kersey’s legacy while supporting the future of cancer research at the University. In the adjacent story, you will learn about Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison, who are investing in pediatrics research and asking others to do the same. These longtime supporters have established a $1 million challenge grant to help fund the University’s new Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative, which aims to advance the understanding and treatment of this baffling disease. Also in these pages, you will read about Alvin Libin and his family, who are inviting others to invest, too, but in a different way. The family hopes its gift supporting the research of Arthur Matas, M.D., director of the University’s kidney transplant program, will encourage others to become organ donors — a truly generous choice that offers someone else a second chance. We are grateful to these donors and the many, many others who have invested in a brighter, healthier future for all of us. Becky Malkerson President and CEO Minnesota Medical Foundation Today, the number of children suffering from problems like Jimmy’s is skyrocketing. And experts at the University of Minnesota — from pediatrics, developmental biology, genetics, neurobehavioral development, and clinical services — have come together to try to solve this medical puzzle. Helping to advance this enormous under- taking is a $1 million challenge fund estab- lished by Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison to support the University’s new Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Initiative. This collaboration between clinical, research, and basic science programs at the University promises to conduct breakthrough research and establish a coordinated care model for children with autism. A perplexing and multifaceted problem The approach is necessary, University experts say, because autism is not a single disease. “With autism, we may be looking at a disorder as complex as cancer,” says Scott Selleck, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pediatrics and director of the Developmental Biology Center at the University. “There are more than 100 susceptibility genes involved in cancer. Our goal is to identify all the different genetic sources of autism, whether there are 20 or 40 or 500,” says Selleck, who holds the Martin Lenz Harrison Land-grant Chair in Pediatrics, established by the Harrisons in memory of their son Martin. Recognizing that the study of a disorder this complex will require significant financial resources, the Harrisons pledged to match up to $1 million raised for the ASD Initiative by December 31, 2007, to help fund basic science research. “Scott Selleck and his team are clearly tackling a problem that’s unbelievably wide- spread,” says Alfred Harrison. “So it was Solving the puzzle of autism A $1 million challenge fund will help the University crack the genetic code of a complex and growing epidemic DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS Ph.D. student Katie Murphy and researcher Scott Selleck, M.D., Ph.D., compare segments of chromosomes from families with autism to those of a control group. P H O TO : S C O T T ST R EB LE Since her son Jimmy was diagnosed with autism 11 years ago, Peg Reagan has learned firsthand the importance of coordinated care for children with autism. P H O TO : T IM R U M M EL H O FF 3natural for us to support this, but my wife and I decided to do it in a way that would also encourage others to engage in this project.” Today, 1 in every 150 children — and 1 in every 94 boys — is diag- nosed with autism. Approximately 1.5 million Americans have received that diagnosis, and the number could reach 4 million within 10 years. What’s more, autism is a particularly difficult condition to treat. “Diagnosis is typically uncertain at first, and families may weave through a number of evaluation facilities or health-care providers,” says Michael Reiff, M.D., medical director of the University’s Autism Spectrum Disorders Program. “We need to address the medical, behavioral, emotional, develop- mental, and learning needs of these children while helping parents coordinate their care.” Searching for a genetic key No one knows this better than Jimmy’s mother, Peg Reagan, who helped establish the University’s ASD Initiative and is raising awareness about the necessity of coordi- nated care for children with autism. “There are so many forms of autism; two kids with the same diagnosis can have entirely different symptoms,” says Reagan, who has made generous donations to this initiative with her husband, Brian. “Figuring out the underlying genetics is key to finding the medical interventions that will work.” That’s where Selleck’s research comes in. “I had an idea for a project that involved get- ting DNA samples from the families of kids with autism and studying the genetic links,” Selleck says. “Then I met Peg Reagan, and she and I discussed the potential impact of this type of research. Last year, working with the Minnesota Medical Foundation and Department of Pediatrics leaders, we set down objectives and decided how much money we’d need and how it would be used.” He also mentioned the initiative to the Harrisons. “They’d always said, ‘If there’s a special need, let us consider it,’” Selleck says. “So I approached them. I didn’t ask for an amount; I just said, ‘Here is the need.’” That’s all it took. “We made our gift because we want to help find the causes of autism,” says Ingrid Lenz Harrison. “If there is any way to cure this disease or prevent it from happening in the future, that would be our greatest hope.” Their gift, says Selleck, was stunning. And it sparked an immediate response: In March, 550 runners participated in the 5K Run for Research, organized by three University faculty members, which raised more than $6,000 for the initiative. Now, supporters of the ASD Initiative are hoping the greater community will get involved. “The Harrisons’ gift is huge because it serves as an example,” says Michael georgieff, professor of pediatrics and child psychology and director of the Center for Neurobehavioral Development. “With the challenge fund, we can go to other prospec- tive donors and say, ‘These people have pledged $1 million of their own money to solve the problem of autism. What are you willing to do to help?’” – ANN BAUER To learn more about supporting the Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative, please contact Elizabeth Patty at the Minnesota Medical Foundation, 612-625-6136 or e.patty@mmf.umn.edu. Seventy-seven percent of Minnesota Medical Foundation (MMF) donors would encourage others to support the University’s health- related programs through the foundation, according to a recent donor satisfaction survey. The survey, conducted last fall, asked 1,817 MMF donors about key aspects of their giving experience, gauging their satisfaction with such MMF services as gift assistance, fund management and investment, and donor stewardship. It yielded responses from 687 donors, 59 percent of them alumni. According to respondents, the founda- tion particularly excels at timely gift acknowl- edgment and public gift recognition. Donors also said they find the following MMF services the most valuable: managing and investing funds, connecting donors with fund benefi- ciaries, and keeping donors informed about the impact of their gifts. Respondents’ gratitude for their educa- tion, ties to a specific college, and an inter- est in helping students ranked highest as factors influencing them to make a gift. We would like to thank all of you who responded to the survey. your feedback will help us improve your giving experience and our donor-related services. What our donors are telling us To encourage others to give, Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison pledged to match up to $1 million raised for the University’s new Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative. P H O TO : K A TE M cg O U g H gIvINg MATTERS NOW ONLINE giving Matters stories are now available online, making it easy to share them with friends, family, colleagues, and others who matter to you. visit www.mmf.umn.edu/givingmatters. 4 givingmatters SPRINg 2007 “If you know anything about dialysis, you know it’s a terrible way to live,” says her husband, Alvin Libin. “After the transplant, Mona was able to do the things she had done before. She was an avid golfer and loved gardening and traveling. Those are things she couldn’t do on dialysis.” Following the transplant, the Libins returned to their home in Calgary, Alberta, happy to get back to the things they were passionate about. As part owners of the team, they were familiar faces at Calgary Flames hockey games, and they also worked together to improve health care through their foundation. In fact, the Alvin and Mona Libin Founda- tion has supported several major health-care initiatives in Alberta. And because of Mona’s experience as a patient at the University of Minnesota, she wanted to give back in the United States, too — especially to her surgeon, Arthur J. Matas, M.D., director of the University’s kidney transplant program. She began talking with David A. Rothen- berger, M.D., deputy chair of the Department of Surgery, about ways her family could sup- port the University’s nationally renowned transplant program. Rothenberger, who holds the John P. Delaney Chair in Clinical Surgical Oncology, recalls his first conversation with Mona. “She confirmed her deep gratitude to Dr. Matas and the entire transplant team for helping her return to a normal life,” he says. “She wanted to help Arthur in some tangible way. As I got to know the Libins better, I realized that they were keenly aware of the critical role that philanthropy plays in advancing medical knowledge.” When Mona died suddenly of pneumonia in June 2006, Alvin carried out the wishes of his high-school sweetheart and wife of 53 years by donating $100,000 to Matas’s research through the family’s foundation. Matas is using the money to study the long-term health of organ donors. “Living kidney donors put themselves through a major operation for the benefit of someone else,” Matas says. “There’s a surgical risk, but as best we know, there’s minimal or no long-term risk.” But Matas wants to be sure. Current information indicates that organ donors have no greater risk of disease 20 or 30 years after their organ donation than does the general population, he says. Matas wants to follow patients even longer — especially since some of the organ donors he sees are quite young, such as those who have donated to an ailing parent. “These longer-term studies will help us provide people with the information they need to make an informed decision,” he says. Alvin Libin hopes studies like this will encourage more people to become organ donors, giving others the chance to be helped — like Mona was — by an organ transplant. “We thought this was a good project,” says Libin, who personally delivered the check to Matas in January with his son, Robert, and granddaughter Eda. “We wanted to support it in Mona’s memory.” giving others a new lease on life Transplant recipient’s family hopes gift will encourage others to become organ donors DEPARTMENT 0F SURgERy When Mona Libin received a new kidney in August 2004, she also got a second chance at a normal life. Before her kidney transplant at the University of Minnesota, Mona had been on dialysis — an often grueling process through which a machine performs the kidneys’ normal function of cleansing the blood. P H O TO : J ER Ry v IN C EN T P H O TO : C O U R TE Sy O F A Lv IN L IB IN above Arthur J. Matas, M.D., director of the University’s kidney transplant program, hopes his long-term follow-up studies on organ donors will help others make informed decisions about organ donation. below Alvin Libin made a gift to transplant outcomes research at the University in memory of his late wife, Mona, who was able to enjoy her favorite activities following a kidney transplant. 5getinvolved CALENDAR OF EvENTS SUMMER – FALL 2007 go to: www.mmf.umn.edu For event descriptions, updates, links, and contact information. JUNE 23 SATURDAy 6:30 a.m. Time to Fly Walk/Run Harriet Island, St. Paul Bring your family and friends to join the race against child- hood cancer at this family- oriented event. Activities include a 5K walk, 10K and 5K runs, 1K and 2K Kids’ Fun Runs, plus refreshments and live entertainment. All pro- ceeds benefit the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. visit www.ccrftimetofly. com, or contact Sarah Curtis at 612-626-5470 or s.curtis@mmf.umn.edu. 25 MONDAy 6:30 p.m. Dean’s Scholars Society Dinner* McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota This dinner recognizes Dean’s Scholars Society members — generous bene- factors who have supported this important scholarship program, which helps to attract top Minnesota stu- dents to the Medical School. By invitation only. Contact Sue Clark at 612-626-0619 or s.clark@mmf.umn.edu. JULy 23 MONDAy 6 p.m. Rein in Sarcoma Cafesjian’s Carousel and Como Park visitor Center, St. Paul Bring the family for music, children’s activities, a silent auction, and more at this fund-raiser for sarcoma research and education at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center. Proceeds benefit the Karen Wyckoff Sarcoma Research Fund. Contact Sarah Curtis at 612-626-5470 or s.curtis@mmf.umn.edu. 27 – 29 FRIDAy – SUNDAy Lightning Run* Summit Brewery, St. Paul Harley-Davidson/Buell, 3M, St. Paul Myth Nightclub, Maplewood This three-day motorcycle rally benefits the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation at the University of Minnesota. Activities include a kick-off celebration, silent auction, observation bike run, parade, and party. visit www.lightningrun. com, or contact Sarah Curtis at 612-626-5470 or s.curtis@mmf.umn.edu. AUgUST 21 TUESDAy 10 a.m. Bob Allison Ataxia golf Classic* Owatonna Country Club, Owatonna Join us for a day of golf, dinner, and a silent auction to benefit those affected by ataxia, a crippling neurologi- cal disease that destroys muscle coordination. Hosted by the Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center in support of ataxia research at the University of Minnesota. Contact Shannon Birge Laudon at 612-626-3186 or s.birge@mmf.umn.edu. SEPTEMBER 28 – 29 FRIDAy & SATURDAy Medical School Reunion Weekend* McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota This fall, the Medical School graduating classes of 1947, 1952, 1957, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, and 1997 are invited to reconnect with classmates and discover what’s new at their alma mater. Contact Sue Clark at 612-626-0619 or s.clark@mmf.umn.edu to learn more or to volunteer. OCTOBER 14 SUNDAy Cooking for a Cure Medtronic, Inc., Fridley This food- and wine-tasting event benefits cancer-related research and service in the University of Minnesota Cancer Center and the HealthEast Healing Partners Program. Enjoy signature dishes prepared by chefs from your favorite restau- rants, a variety of wines, entertainment, a silent auction, and a chance to win a dream vacation compli- ments of American Airlines. Contact Sarah Curtis at 612-626-5470 or s.curtis@mmf.umn.edu. 22 MONDAy 6 p.m. Minnesota Medical Foundation Annual Dinner* McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota Contributions from generous donors fund much of the University of Minnesota’s lifesaving work. This event honors those who support health-related research, education, and service at the University. By invitation only. Contact Sue Clark at 612-626-0619 or s.clark@mmf.umn.edu. * Sponsored by the Minnesota Medical Foundation Karen Wyckoff was always a go-getter. She was an athlete, a musician, and a volunteer throughout high school and college. When Wyckoff found out at age 21 that she had cancer, she didn’t let her treatments keep her from graduating from college — with honors — or from coaching T-ball and peewee soccer. Four years later and just two months before her death from synovial sarcoma in 2001, Wyckoff coordinated an event that raised $10,000 for sarcoma research. Today Wyckoff’s family and friends are keeping her spirit alive through their annual Rein in Sarcoma event, whose supporters have contributed more than $200,000 to the University of Minnesota Cancer Center since the event’s inception. Last year the event drew 600 people and raised $60,000 for sarcoma research at the Cancer Center, home to one of the nation’s top sarcoma research and treatment programs. Sarcomas are cancers in the bone or soft connective tissue, such as muscle, fat, nerve, or tendon, and are often misdiagnosed. While relatively rare in adults, sarcoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in children. “Karen’s greatest concern was not for herself,” says her father, Peter Wyckoff. “It was for children much younger than she.” Funding from the Rein in Sarcoma event supports research, physician education, and efforts to help sarcoma patients, survivors, and their families. This year’s Rein in Sarcoma event will be held Monday, July 23, at Cafesjian’s Carousel and the Como Park visitor Center in St. Paul. It includes carousel rides, live entertain- ment, a silent auction, and a picnic for sarcoma patients and survivors. For more information, visit www.reininsarcoma. org or call 651-486-9114. Event proceeds go to ‘rein in’ sarcoma P H O TO : C O U R TE Sy O F P ET ER W yC KO FF The Rein in Sarcoma event — which raises money to support sarcoma research, education, patients, and survivors — includes unlimited rides on Cafesjian’s Carousel at Como Park. 6 givingmatters SPRINg 2007 A special thanks We’d like to extend an extra thank-you to the following individuals and organizations who have made commitments totaling $100,000 or more between January 15 and May 15, 2007, to health-related research, education, and service at the University of Minnesota. Pediatrics Foundation. They also established the Martin Lenz Harrison Land-grant Chair in Pediatrics in memory of their son Martin. Their latest commitment will provide funding for basic research on autism and the Univer- sity of Minnesota–based genetic Registry and Repository of DNA. (See article, page 2.) Nancy D. and Dr. H. Spencer Holmes, Plymouth, Minnesota, have made a planned gift of more than $200,000 for the future establishment of a dermatology–internal medicine residency program in the Medical School. Dr. Holmes is a staff dermatologist at Park Nicollet Clinic and the Medical School. He also directs the Park Nicollet site of the University of Minnesota Dermatology Residency Training Program. Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc., St. Paul, made additional gifts totaling $200,000 in support of the B. J. Kennedy Chair in Clinical Medical Oncology and the John P. Delaney Chair in Clinical Surgical Oncology. Established in 1998, both funds provide the University with the means to recruit and retain top clinical oncology experts. The Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation, Calgary, Alberta, directed $100,000 for the establish- ment of the Mona Libin Research Fund in Transplantation. The fund will help advance kidney transplant research and, in particular, studies on long-term outcomes for kidney transplant donors. (See article, page 4.) The Lillehei Family Charitable Foundation, St. Paul, contributed $248,164 to purchase a high-resolution imaging system for the Lillehei Heart Institute in honor of Merle K. Loken, M.D., Ph.D., who was director of the University’s Division of Nuclear Medicine from 1963 to 1987. The Lillehei family has supported health-related programs at the Uni- versity for nearly 30 years. C. Walton Lillehei, M.D., Ph.D., was a pioneering heart surgeon who performed the world’s first artificial heart- valve implant and the first open-heart surgery using cross-circulation. The Masonic Cancer Center Fund, Inc., Roseville, Minnesota, has given an addi- tional $197,146 to help further cancer- related research in the University’s Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplanta- tion, Department of Medicine. This fund has helped advance the University’s cancer-related work since 1955. An anonymous gift of $1 million, combined with matching support from the University of Minnesota Cancer Center, will provide start-up funding to establish the Dr. William C. Bernstein Hereditary Cancer Registry. Faculty members from across the Academic Health Center will use the registry to better understand and effectively treat hereditary cancers. This fund will help them identify and counsel at-risk individuals, conduct transla- tional research, and educate patients and health-care professionals. Frederick J. Bollum, Ph.D., Potomac, Maryland, made gifts totaling $150,000 in support of the F. J. Bollum, Ph.D., research funds in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics. An alumnus of the Medical School and founder of the company Supertech, Inc., Dr. Bollum has been a donor to the school for nearly 15 years. The Bollum research funds, which he established more than 10 years ago, have supported numerous activities, from the Bollum Symposia on Molecular Biology to the advancement of innovative research projects. Dr. David M. and Sandra M. Brown, Minnetonka, Minnesota, have committed estate gifts totaling $498,000 for the future establishment of the David M. and Sandra M. Brown Endowed Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Research Fund and the David M. and Sandra M. Brown Endowed Pediatric Research Fund. Dr. Brown is a professor of laboratory medicine and pathology and pediatrics at the Medical School and a mem- ber of the Minnesota Medical Foundation’s board of trustees. Celladon Corporation, La Jolla, California, has pledged $150,000 to the SERCA2a Research Fund. This gift will support research on SERCA2a — a protein that affects cardiac muscle contraction and relaxation — and its potential as a treatment for heart failure. The Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), Minneapolis, has contributed an additional $988,000 to the Department of Pediatrics and its Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation. For years, CCRF has combined community support and proceeds from fund-raising events to partner with the University in advancing research on childhood cancer and document long-term survival outcomes. Fairview Health Services, Minneapolis, a long-standing advocate for the University’s health-related programs, has contributed additional gifts totaling $922,483. More than $880,000 was directed to the Dean’s Discre- tionary Fund, Minneapolis, which supports the Medical School’s most important research and education initiatives. Fifth District Eagles Cancer Telethon of Southern Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, continues to advance cancer research at the University through its latest gift of $110,000 to the Olga B. Hart Fund for Cancer Research, Education, and Treatment to support clinical trials. The group has supported the Univer- sity’s Cancer Center with proceeds from its annual telethon since 2001. N. L. gault, M.D., St. Paul, made commit- ments totaling $101,000 in support of the Medical School; $100,000 was directed to the Program in Human Sexuality Chair in Sexual Health, and $1,000 was directed to the W. Albert Sullivan Scholarship Fund. Dr. gault, a former Medical School dean, has maintained strong connections to the school, donating resources as well as time and energy as a volunteer with the Minne- sota Medical Foundation. Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison, Wayzata, Minnesota, have pledged to match up to $1 million in funds raised for the Autism Spectrum Disorders Phase I Initiative. The Harrisons are longtime advocates for the University of Minnesota and, in particular, its pediatric programs. They played major roles in founding the University Children’s Foundation, which is now the University 7The Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, Inc., Minneapolis, has made gifts totaling $244,500 to the Minnesota Lions Eye Center Building Fund and the Pediatric Ophthalmol- ogy Program Fund. Founded in 1960, the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank promotes the donation of eye tissue for transplant, research, and teaching. Its latest gift will help fund a new and improved space for University ophthalmologists to conduct their clinical and research activities. Dr. glen D. and Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Long Lake, Minnesota, pledged $100,000 to help establish the Dr. William g. and Katherine R. gamble Surgical Education Fund. The gamble fund will advance training and educational initiatives in the Department of Surgery, especially for surgical residents. Dr. and Mrs. Nelson have supported health- related research and service at the University for more than 30 years. Dr. Nelson is an alumnus of the Medical School and an emeritus clinical professor of surgery. Dr. Richard E. and Meredith B. Poppele, Minneapolis, have made a planned gift of $100,000 for the future establishment of the Dr. Richard E. and Meredith B. Poppele Endowed Neuroscience Fellowship. A Univer- sity of Minnesota alumnus and an emeritus professor of neuroscience, Dr. Poppele studies sensory-motor integration. The Poppele fellowship fund will provide annual support to students in the University’s graduate Program in Neuroscience. Dr. Harvey W. and Evelyn Stone, Long Beach, California — both alumni of the University of Minnesota — have made a planned gift of $1 million for the eventual establishment of the Dr. Harvey W. and Evelyn L. Stone Endowed Professorship in Radiology. The Stone Professorship will advance research at the Medical School by providing the Depart- ment of Radiology with the means to attract and retain outstanding faculty members. Teva Neuroscience, Kansas City, Missouri, has made gifts totaling $100,800 to the Multiple Sclerosis Research and Education Fund. Teva Neuroscience has helped advance the work of University of Minnesota neurolo- gists since 2002. Because of their generous support, the following donors became members or rose to a higher giving society of the University of Minnesota Presidents Club between January 15 and May 15, 2007. Their gifts have been designated (all or in part) to the Medical School, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, or other areas served by the Minnesota Medical Foundation. Welcome new members! PRESIDENTS CLUB +Ruth Koop and + Dr. Severin H. Koop Jr., ’55 Win J. and Rev. Christie C. Neuger Marilyn J. and + Dr. Edward L. Salovich, ’55 Sharon Siebecker Mildred L. and + Dr. Bernhoff R. Skogmo, ’40 FOUNDERS SOCIETy ($25,000 to $50,000) Dr. gail E. Baldwin, ’89 Rolf F. and Idelle Bjelland Bruce H. Boody Drs. David L. Dunn and Kelli M. Bullard Dr. Leo W. K., ’64, and Julie Cheng Dr. Denis R. and Mary N. Clohisy Dr. Frederick C. and Mary R. goetz Theodore R. and Shirley goldman Drs. Stephen S. Hecht and Sharon E. Murphy Dr. John W., ’40, and g. Anne LaBree Dr. Tucker W. and Margaret R. LeBien Dr. Stanley A., ’55, and Suzanne B. Leonard Muzzy Products Corporation David A. and Judith M. Perreault Primary Surgical, Inc. Dr. Leon and Alma Jean Satran +Faye L. Smith Dr. Delbert F. and Betty Wichelman HERITAgE SOCIETy (Future gifts) Dr. Richard A. and Lois A. King Dr. Richard E. and Meredith B. Poppele +Deceased BUILDERS SOCIETy ($1 million or more) Dennis W. and Audrey L. Anderson N. Bud and Beverly N. grossman Whitney Elizabeth MacMillan Foundation REgENTS SOCIETy ($500,000 to $1 million) Helen B. Hauser TRUSTEES SOCIETy ($100,000 to $500,000) Consolidated Anti-Aging Foundation gerald C. Fox Dr. Ramon B. gustilo Jim and Paula McDonald and Family Minnesota Physicians Foundation of the Minnesota Medical Association Dr. Richard E. and Meredith B. Poppele The Salmen Family The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Teva Neuroscience, Inc. Dr. Roby C. and + Jane S. Thompson University Medical Auxiliary CHANCELLORS SOCIETy ($50,000 to $100,000) Howard R. and Camilla Alton Drs. Carolyn L. Williams and James N. Butcher Toby Cohn William A. and Sharron L. Cooper Dr. William g. and Katherine R. gamble The Marvin E. and Miriam R. goldberg Foundation Harry L. and Janet M. Kitselman Foundation Charitable gift annuities are a wonderful way to help others while helping yourself and a loved one. your charitable gift annuity to the Minnesota Medical Foundation helps advance world-class medical research, education, and service at the University of Minnesota while providing substantial tax benefits and a lifetime income for you and your spouse. To learn more, contact Holly McDonough at 800-922-1663, 612-625-8758, or giftplanning@mmf.umn.edu. visit our Web site at: www.mmf.umn.edu/giftplanning Building a better future The Minnesota Medical Foundation is a nonprofit orga- nization that raises funds for health-related research, education, and service at the University of Minnesota. SCHOOLS WE SUPPORT Medical School School of Public Health AFFILIATE ORgANIzATIONS Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center International Hearing Foundation University Pediatrics Foundation STAFF LEADERSHIP Becky Malkerson PRESIDENT AND CEO Catherine Henry vICE PRESIDENT, MARKETINg AND COMMUNICATIONS Cindy J. Kaiser CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND vICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS 2006 – 2007 BOARD OF TRUSTEES John M. Murphy Jr. CHAIR Susan B. Plimpton vICE CHAIR Sidney Kaplan SECRETARy Don J. Hodapp TREASURER Catherine Agee Mark Allison* Albert Andrews Jr. DeWalt H. (Pete) Ankeny Jr. Atum Azzahir Macaran A. Baird, M.D.* Anthony Baraga, M.D.* Joel L. Boyd, M.D. David M. Brown, M.D. Robert H. Bruininks, Ph.D.* David S. Cannom, M.D. Richard A. Carlson, M.D., F.A.C.R. Anne D. Carrier Frank B. Cerra, M.D.* James L. Craig, M.D., M.P.H. gary L. Davis, Ph.D.* Wendy Dayton Timothy J. Ebner, M.D., Ph.D.* Beth Erickson John R. Finnegan Jr., Ph.D.* N. Jean Fountain Alison B. good Susan gunderson Richard E. Kuntz, M.D., M.Sc. Richard L. Lindstrom, M.D. Fred A. Lyon, M.D. george E. Maas R. Frederick McCoy Jr. Alice Mortenson Philip W. Ordway Treva Paparella* Deborah E. Powell, M.D.* Robert N. Schulenberg, M.D. Teresa Fong Sit* Randolph C. Steer, M.D., Ph.D. James P. Steiner Richard L. Stennes, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.E.P. Mary K. Stern, CFA Martin J. Stillman, M.D., J.D.* Roby C. Thompson Jr., M.D. Charles F. Wiser Jr.* *Ex officio members FOR MORE INFORMATION Minnesota Medical Foundation McNamara Alumni Center 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55455–2030 612-625-1440 800-922-1663 mmf @ mmf.umn.edu www.mmf.umn.edu 1974. The following year, he led a team that performed the world’s first successful bone marrow transplant for treating lymphoma. yet despite this and other cancer-related breakthroughs, Kersey believed something was missing. Cancer research was happening in many different departments and schools, but the researchers weren’t working together. “There was no cohesiveness, no multi- disciplinary approach to care or research,” Kersey says. “We were siloed, and informa- tion wasn’t shared among basic scientists, clinicians, and epidemiologists.” He believed a cancer center would be an ideal place to bring them all together. Initially, there wasn’t much support for the idea, says Kersey, but finally, in 1991, the Board of Regents approved the Cancer Center. Kersey was named acting director, and after a national search for a director, “The commit- tee decided I was the lesser of the evils,” says the ever-modest Kersey, who now holds the Children’s Cancer Research Fund Land- grant Chair in Pediatric Oncology. Building a winning team In the decade that followed, the Masonic Cancer Research Building was constructed — thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Masons — allowing Kersey to attract more nationally renowned cancer researchers to his team. The Cancer Center’s first major external recruitment was Stephen Hecht, Ph.D., a lead- ing researcher in tobacco-induced cancers, in 1996. “John is such an open person, so easy to talk to,” says Hecht, who now holds the Wallin Land-grant Chair in Cancer Prevention and the American Cancer Society Research Professorship. “If I hadn’t liked or trusted him, I don’t think I would have come.” Kersey also recruited two other top-notch researchers who he says were crucial to the Cancer Center’s success: David Largaespada, Ph.D., who holds the Margaret Harvey Schering Land-grant Chair in Cancer genetics, and Douglas yee, M.D., who holds the Tickle Family Land-grant Chair in Breast Cancer Research and in March was named the Cancer Center’s new director. The Cancer Center then applied for an NCI core grant and for designation as a Compre- hensive Cancer Center. Many cancer centers have struggled for years to get that designa- tion, but LeBien says the University was “spec- tacularly successful” on its first try, in 1998. Today the Cancer Center receives more than $90 million annually in research fund- ing. And more important, collaborations among its researchers have resulted in major strides in bone marrow transplantation as well as in breast, bone, childhood, and tobacco-related cancers. “John was really the person who brought all these people together,” says Hecht. “This is a very collaborative center now, and the director gets the credit for that.” Looking ahead Kersey’s colleagues see the endowed chair as a fitting way to honor his legacy at the Cancer Center. “It is a permanent way to recognize John as the founding director,” LeBien says. As Cancer Center director, yee will be the first Kersey chair holder. “It is a real honor for me to take over the Cancer Center from Dr. Kersey,” yee says. “He has been both a mentor and a role model to me. His career has demonstrated the strength of translational approaches to cancer.” While Kersey plans to spend more time fishing and playing with his grandchildren, he’ll also continue his commitment to the Cancer Center as director emeritus and a childhood leukemia researcher. “Opportunities still exist to grow and become one of the top cancer centers in the nation,” Kersey says. “To be a part of the team that is hoping to remove cancer from the face of the earth is very exciting.” To contribute to the John H. Kersey Chair in Cancer Research, contact Rosemary gruber at 612-626-5456 or r.gruber@mmf.umn.edu. you may also give online at www.mmf.umn.edu/give/cancer. John Kersey, M.D., and colleague Ashish Kumar, M.D., Ph.D., conduct research on an often fatal form of infant leukemia. P H O TO : J ER Ry v IN C EN T Published three times a year by the Minnesota Medical Foundation Meredith McNab EDITOR Nicole Endres ASSOCIATE EDITOR Woychick Design DESIgN and PRODUCTION Sexton Printing PRINTINg and DISTRIBUTION Reader comments and suggestions are welcome. Please send to: giving Matters Minnesota Medical Foundation 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55455–2030 Or contact the editor directly at 612-625-0657 or m.mcnab@mmf.umn.edu givingmatters SPRINg 2007 E Printed on recycled paper using at least 30% post-consumer waste. Please recycle. © 2007 Minnesota Medical Foundation. All rights reserved.