A sound investment: Tomorrow’s doctors: A major milestone: Revved up about diabetes: Alumna’s estate gift helps Anonymous gift aims to Why turning 60 is a big Lightning Run motorcycle Medical School fund new boost medical student deal for one donor and rally to raise funds for endowed chairs Page 2 diversity Page 3 his family Page 4 diabetes research Page 5

A publication for supporters of health-related research and education at the University of Minnesota

Spring 2008

A historic gift

Masons pledge a record-breaking $65 million for cancer research

When the Minnesota Masons made their first gift to the University of Minnesota in 1955, cancer was a death sentence. So to provide a place for people with cancer to receive palliative care, the Masons gave $1 million to build the Masonic Memorial Hospital. H abermann

: M i k e : Now, five decades later, new therapies and care at the University, bringing their total

P hoto are constantly being developed at the giving to $100 million. In recognition of this Masonic Cancer Center director Douglas Yee, M.D., University to help people live with cancer. support, the University of Minnesota Cancer and deputy director Philip McGlave, M.D., reveal the The Masons have had a major role in this Center is now called the Masonic Cancer center’s new name at an April 10 news conference success, contributing millions more over Center, University of Minnesota. announcing the Masons’ $65 million gift. In the the years to build state-of-the-art facilities “The Masons’ legacy of supporting background are Worthy Grand Matron Helen Johnson, Order of the Eastern Star; and then–Grand Master of and fund leading-edge research and care cancer research and care at the University the Minnesota Masons Raymond Christensen, M.D. at the University. of Minnesota has transformed our ability to Still, the Masons believe more is possible. find cures and better ways of preventing, “Our desire is to be a catalyst in finding diagnosing, and treating cancer,” says Uni- a cure or cures for cancer, to eliminate versity President Robert Bruininks, Ph.D. “Our desire is to be a catalyst cancer as a scourge of mankind,” says Eric Neetenbeek, president and CEO of Minnesota The right time and place in finding a cure or cures for Masonic Charities, the philanthropic arm of Masonic Cancer Center director Douglas Yee, M.D., says the Masons’ $65 million gift will cancer, to eliminate cancer as Minnesota Masonry. That’s why Minnesota Masonic Charities take cancer research at the University to the a scourge of mankind.” in April pledged $65 million to the University next level. of Minnesota Cancer Center over 15 years. “This is the right time and place to really – Eric Neetenbeek, president and ceo, It is the largest gift the University has make an impact,” Yee says. “Our members are Minnesota Masonic CHarities ever received. making new discoveries almost daily, and with It’s also a new milestone in the Masons’ this gift, we will be able to significantly expand 53-year history of supporting cancer research our scope in cancer research and treatment.” continued on back page

Minnesota Medical Foundation Nonprofit Org. McNamara Alumni Center U.S. Postage University of Minnesota PAID 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis, MN 55455-2030 Permit No. 155 Department of ???

A lifelong investment Alumna’s estate gift to U Medical School honors life she and her husband shared

This issue of Giving Matters Born in 1907 in Browns Valley, Minnesota, near the South Dakota border, celebrates milestones — Mary LaDue was ahead of her time. An independent-minded young woman, starting with our cover story about Minnesota Masonic Charities’ she graduated from high school at age 15 $65 million gift to support cancer research and completed her degree at the University at the University. This remarkable gift, the largest the University has ever received, of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts will transform cancer research at the newly renamed Masonic Cancer Center. in three years. Her father encouraged the Our page-3 story describes the landmark teenager to learn about financial matters Minnesota’s Future Doctors program, which and gave her $2,000 to invest — a skill she honed over her lifetime and ultimately used recently received its first major gift, a $1 million Mustafa al’Absi, Ph.D. Timothy Ebner, M.D., Ph.D. to benefit others. anonymous donation. This joint program of Mary met her future husband, Max E. the University of Minnesota and Mayo Medical how to use her money,” says Medical School Pickworth, at a University dance, fell in love, Schools aims to create a more diverse pool Dean Deborah Powell, M.D. “She simply rec- and in 1932 eloped without her father’s knowl- of doctors by preparing undergraduates from ognized the need and allowed us to choose edge. (Later, in a letter to Mary, her father underserved, rural, and ethnically diverse how to invest — a rare opportunity for our lamented missing the chance to walk his only Medical School.” groups for medical school. daughter down the aisle but enclosed $5,000.) Powell has created two endowed chairs Bob Calmenson is celebrating a personal A 1930 graduate of the University of with the gift. With a match from the Perma- milestone: his 60th birthday — especially notable Minnesota Medical School, Max was a director nent University Fund, she has established because Bob was born with a life-threatening of medical surgery for the U.S. Air Force during the Max E. and Mary LaDue Pickworth congenital heart defect and not expected to World War II, then opened one of the first pri- Endowed Research Chair, which will be make it to his 20s (see story, page 4). Surgery vate surgical practices in San Jose, California. held by Mustafa al’Absi, Ph.D., a professor performed at the University when he was an Tragically, he died of a massive heart attack of behavioral science and director of the adolescent has allowed him to enjoy a full life. at age 49. new Duluth Medical Research Institute at In gratitude, Bob and his parents, Ben and Mary, who died last fall shortly after the Medical School–Duluth Campus. her 100th birthday, never remarried. She Vivian Calmenson, have established funds Al’Absi is internationally known for his honored her late husband by leaving an that support pediatric cardiology research research on the links between stress, pain, estate gift of more than $4 million to the and other programs at the University. and addiction. University of Minnesota Medical School. The University’s Program of Mortuary The Pickworth gift also will fund an The Max E. and Mary LaDue Pickworth Science is celebrating a birthday, too — its endowed chair in neuroscience to be held Endowment Fund will create a permanent by Timothy Ebner, M.D., Ph.D., professor 100th—as well as a momentous $200,000 gift source of income to advance medical educa- and head of the Department of Neuroscience, from Leo Hodroff, of Hodroff and Sons Chapels tion and research at the Medical School. on the University’s Twin Cities campus. Ebner in the Twin Cities (see story, page 4). “One reason this gift is so remarkable studies how the brain communicates with Finally, don’t miss the adjacent story is that Mary Pickworth did not prescribe the body to control movement. about alumna Mary LaDue Pickworth. Born in Beverly Bourbon, Mary LaDue Pickworth’s 1907 and ahead of her time, Mary learned to friend and personal representative, says invest and manage her own money while still : S ubmitted : Pickworth was “intelligent, caring, and feisty” in her teens. She died last fall at age 100,

P hoto and proud to be a woman of her generation leaving a $4 million estate gift that benefits who not only understood finances but also our Medical School and honors the life she handled all of her own investments. shared with her husband. “Many times, Mary would regale me with Your gifts have been important milestones stories of her investments,” Bourbon recalls. as well — whether as personal tributes to loved “She wanted to put her money to best use at ones or critically needed support for a specific the Medical School, and she wanted to leave program. Thank you for all that you to do to a legacy that reflected the life of giving and caring that she and Max had shared.” support health-related programs at the Uni- versity of Minnesota. – Michelle Juntunen

Becky Malkerson The late Mary LaDue and Max Pickworth (Medical School President and CEO Class of 1930) met at a University dance and later married. Minnesota Medical Foundation Today, an estate gift Mary established in their names helps to fund two new endowed chairs in the Medical School.

2 givingmatters Spring 2008 S: SCOTT STREBLE SCOTT S: P hoto

LEFT Minnesota’s Future Doctors program participants Shukri Guled and Fatuma Omer shadow Abdullah Ahmed, M.D., as Department of ??? he talks with a patient at the University of Minnesota Medical Anonymous gift boosts Minnesota’s Center, Fairview. Above University of Minnesota undergraduate student Wanda Vue says the Minnesota’s Future Doctors program provides a Future Doctors program straight path to her goals.

Growing up in a household of modest means, Clemon Dabney had always wanted to be a role model for his siblings. Now he’s preparing to become a doctor, showing his brothers and sisters that they all can make a difference in the world.

Georgette McCauley’s family fled war-torn Medical School and the Mayo Medical To recruit the first group of Minnesota’s Liberia in 2001. Today McCauley is a college School — has a faithful group of believers. Future Doctors last year, Peterson drove to student studying to become a doctor so One of those believers recently made a almost every community college and state she can help other refugees become more $1 million anonymous donation to help sus- university in Minnesota, asking each school comfortable with Western medicine. tain the program’s educational vision. The to nominate one student for the program. Wanda Vue, the only girl in her Hmong donor has confidence in the power of educa- Those recommendations resulted in meet- family of six children, became interested in tion and its ability to transform the future. ings with 91 prospective participants, and medicine when she started accompanying “This generous gift will help us maintain all 91 applied to the program. her father on doctor’s office visits. A first- the program’s momentum and continue to This year, Peterson received 3,600 generation high school and college student, reach talented students across the state who inquiries from students for the summer class. Vue now aims to be the first in her family to might otherwise consider medical school a As the program continues to garner attend medical school. dream beyond their reach,” Peterson says. interest from so many high-quality students, Dabney, McCauley, and Vue are among Minnesota’s Future Doctors was the Peterson says she’s grateful for the anony- the first 23 students in a program called brainchild of two University medical students mous donor’s support. Minnesota’s Future Doctors, which targets who noticed that the faces in their classrooms “Someone just gave these kids a little promising undergraduates from communities did not represent the diversity of Minnesota sunshine, and they’ve blown me away,” she that are underrepresented in medicine and communities. (Studies of health-care con- says. “I’m more hopeful than I’ve ever been equips them with the skills to become strong sumers show that people of color and about the future of medicine.” applicants for medical school. immigrants prefer doctors who share their Minnesota’s Future Doctors is off to a strong start but Program director Jo Peterson, Ph.D., language, culture, and religion.) needs additional funding to sustain it. To learn how you says their classmates are equally inspiring. Students selected for the program repre- can support the program, contact Cindy Adams Ellis at “We’ve found lovely, brilliant people with sent minority, rural, and immigrant groups the Minnesota Medical Foundation at 612-273-8597 or depth and compassion,” she says. “These as well as economically disadvantaged and [email protected]. young people are the whole package, the first-generation college students. type of student we want and need in our Participants attend three six-week medical schools if we are to prepare the next sessions during the summer (another option Correction generation of physicians — doctors who can offers sessions spanning three school years The winter 2008 Giving Matters story “Honoring relate to the increasingly diverse population during winter breaks and long weekends). a neurosurgery pioneer” erroneously stated in our state.” They spend the first and third years of the that Harry A. Kaplan’s estate was placed in Julia Neubart’s name. Ms. Neubart was responsible Students in the first group of Minnesota’s program at the University and the second for just one of Dr. Kaplan’s funds, which she Future Doctors started their training last year at Mayo, studying biology and chemis- directed to the University of Minnesota in summer, and already the program — a collab- try, shadowing physicians, taking part in accordance with his wishes. oration between the University of Minnesota volunteer activities, and preparing for the Medical College Admission Test.

3 R ummelhoff : T im :

A heartfelt ‘Happy Birthday’ P hoto

St. Paul native and University of Minnesota Calmenson family graduate Bob Calmenson turned 60 on and friends gathered in June 2. That’s a major milestone for anyone, Minnesota on Memorial but especially for Bob, who was born with Day weekend to celebrate a life-threatening congenital heart defect — Bob’s 60th birthday — and and not expected to make it to his 20s. Ben’s 90th — on May 25. After two surgeries at the University’s Naturally, the get-together former Variety Club Heart Hospital when included some lively talk he was an adolescent, Bob has been able about Gopher football to live a full life, one that includes family, and basketball, which career, and weekends sailing off the coast Bob still follows avidly. Grateful for the pediatric heart surgery that has allowed their son Bob Calmenson to of San Diego, his home since the mid-’80s. He has fond memories lead a normal life, Ben and Vivian Calmenson created a fund for pediatric cardiology research at the University of Minnesota 10 years ago, when Bob turned 50. This year “I’ve been fortunate to be on this side of of watching the Gopher the family celebrated Bob’s 60th birthday — and Ben’s 90th. the grass for this long,” he says wryly. football team practice Bob’s parents, Ben and Vivian Calmenson, from the top of the Oak credit the first surgery with extending Bob’s Street parking ramp during one of his many make the experience as comforting and life. They demonstrated their gratitude — stays at the old Variety Club Hospital. positive as possible.” and honored Bob’s 50th birthday — in 1998 Bob is delighted with the plans for a Recently, Bob and his father established by establishing the Robert L. Calmenson new facility for the University of Minnesota the Calmenson Family Scholarship through Pediatric Cardiology Research Fund at the Children’s Hospital, Fairview. Scheduled to the San Diego chapter of the University of University. Family and friends continue to open in 2011, the new building will feature Minnesota Alumni Association. The first contribute to the fund, which supports more home-like environments and allow scholarship will be awarded for the 2009 research aimed at preventing and improving greater family interaction than in his day. academic year. Recipients can major in any the treatment of congenital heart defects. “I didn’t want to be in the hospital when subject they wish, but who knows? Maybe “We don’t want to see any other children I was a kid; no child does,” Bob says. “But one will make the next big breakthrough in go through what Bob did,” Vivian says. it’s exciting to know the new facility will pediatric cardiology. – Mary Vitcenda

A monumental gift to mortuary science Alumnus’s gift establishes a ‘full-ride’ scholarship as mortuary science celebrates its centennial

Alumnus Leo Hodroff has given the University Hodroff, who made the gift last December, years, is especially meaningful because of Minnesota’s Program of Mortuary Science attributes much of his success to his educa- current undergraduates complete their an early birthday present: $200,000 to tion at the University, and for more than University of Minnesota studies with an establish the Leo A. Hodroff Scholarship 40 years he has supported initiatives, such average debt of nearly $25,000. in the 100-year-old program — the nation’s as lectureships, that ensure that aspiring Michael LuBrant, director of the Program oldest. His contribution is the program’s morticians receive similar opportunities for of Mortuary Science, is thrilled by Hodroff’s largest gift ever and possibly a world-class education. commitment. He shares Hodroff’s hope that the largest gift supporting Now, with funding from this monumental gift will inspire others to mortuary science scholar- the President’s Scholarship support mortuary science scholarships at : S ubmitted : ships anywhere. Match — a University program the University and that, eventually, the Since graduating from P hoto that matches the payout of scholarship will provide full tuition for a the Program of Mortuary new scholarships established new recipient every year. Science more than 70 years with gifts totaling $25,000 As LuBrant reflects on Hodroff’s generos- ago, Hodroff has contributed or more — the Hodroff Schol- ity, he is reminded of the ancient Hebrew immensely to the mortuary arship will be the first in the words that Hodroff chose for a plaque hanging science profession and to his nation to provide a “full ride” in the mortuary science program’s new teach- community. The family’s Twin to a new mortuary science ing center, established in honor of Hodroff’s Cities mortuaries, Hodroff and student. Recipients will late father, Abraham Hodroff: “Learning must Sons Chapels, have helped receive nearly $40,000 be sought; it will not come of itself.” countless bereaved families during their two-year training “Because of Leo Hodroff’s great generos- and friends find comfort program as they earn their ity,” LuBrant says, “a seeker of knowledge while honoring those who Seven decades after graduating from bachelor of science degree will have access to a college education. What the University’s Program of Mortuary have died. in mortuary science. an incredible gift for advancing knowledge Science, Leo Hodroff has given back with the largest gift the 100-year-old The scholarship, which and uplifting the human spirit.” program has ever received. will be awarded every two – Lesley Schack

4 givingmatters Spring 2008 getinvolved Calendar of evenTs Summer – Fall 2008

June July SEptember October

23 Monday 6 p.m. 21 Monday 6 p.m. Activities include a kick-off 17 Wednesday 4:30 p.m. 26–27 Friday and Saturday 20 Monday 6 p.m. Dean’s Scholars Rein in Sarcoma celebration with live music, John H. Kersey Chair in Medical School Minnesota Medical Society Dinner Como Park, assorted vendors, a silent Cancer Research Reception Reunion Weekend Foundation Annual Dinner McNamara Alumni Center, St. Paul, Minnesota auction, and a bike show McNamara Alumni Center, McNamara Alumni Center, McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota Join us for the eighth annual and parade through St. Paul. University of Minnesota University of Minnesota University of Minnesota This dinner celebrates Rein in Sarcoma, a fun- Contact Valerie Petermann This event celebrates the This fall, the Medical School Contributions from generous members of the Medical packed summer evening for at 612-624-4444 or v.peter- fulfillment of the John H. graduating classes of 1948, donors make much of the School Dean’s Scholars the whole family. Enjoy [email protected] or visit Kersey Chair in Cancer 1953, 1958, 1968, 1978, University of Minnesota’s Society. By invitation only. music, children’s activities, www.lightningrun.com. Research and recognizes the 1983, 1988, and 1998 will lifesaving work possible. Contact Katie Mae a silent auction, and the (See related story below.) appointment of Douglas Yee, return to campus, reunite This event honors those Pritchard at 612-625-5682 or always popular Cafesjian’s M.D., as the inaugural chair with old friends, and who support health-related 29 Tuesday 5:30 p.m. [email protected]. Carousel at this fund-raiser holder. By invitation only. discover what’s new at the research, education, and Children’s Cancer for sarcoma research and Contact Sharon Kunau University of Minnesota. service at the University. Research Fund education at the University at 612-624-1913 or By invitation only. Presidents Club Reception Contact Katrina Roth at of Minnesota. Proceeds [email protected]. 612-625-0336, k.roth@mmf. Contact Katie Mae McNamara Alumni Center, benefit the Karen Wyckoff umn.edu; or Valerie Peter- Pritchard at 612-625-5682 or University of Minnesota Sarcoma Research Fund. mann at 612-624-4444, [email protected]. This special reception Contact Sharon Kunau [email protected], honors donors who have at 612-624-1913 or to learn more or to volunteer. [email protected] recently met the Presidents Club level of giving to 25–26 Friday and Saturday Children’s Cancer Research Lightning Run Fund, which supports Summit Brewery, cancer research at the St. Paul, Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, This two-day motorcycle University of Minnesota. rally benefits the Diabetes By invitation only. Institute for Immunology Contact Katrina Roth and Transplantation at the at 612-625-0336 or University of Minnesota. [email protected].

go to : www.mmf.umn.edu For event descriptions, updates, links, and contact information.

Last year’s

Lightning Run L illie drew an estimated : A n g ie : 1,500 bikers. P hoto

Revved up about diabetes

Don’t miss the ninth annual Lightning Run, July 25–26

Hundreds of bikers will rev their engines Tom and Melanie Giannetti, owners of features live music, numerous vendors, and hit the streets of St. Paul this summer the St. Paul Harley-Davidson/Buell dealer- and a silent auction. On Saturday, bikers will for the ninth annual Lightning Run rally to ship, were inspired to find a cure for the gear up at Summit Brewery and ride through support diabetes research at the University disease that afflicts both Tom and their St. Paul in an awe-inspiring motorcycle of Minnesota. The July 25–26 event will daughter, Angie. They started the annual parade viewed by thousands of onlookers. feature a full weekend of motorcycles, food, motorcycle rally in the summer of 2000, Since its inception, the event has raised music, and fun to benefit the Diabetes Insti- encouraging friends, family, and others nearly $1.5 million for the Diabetes Institute, tute for Immunology and Transplantation at affected by diabetes to ride for a cure. a world leader in advancing pancreas and the University. Lightning Run participants will be treated islet-cell transplants for treating diabetes. to a kick-off party on Friday the 25th that

5 A special thanks

We’d like to extend an extra thank-you to the following individuals the Phillips neighborhood of south Minneap- olis, CUHCC provides primary care, mental and organizations that have made commitments totaling $100,000 or health, and dental services to individuals with limited access to basic health care. more between January 1 and May 1, 2008, to health-related research, The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation, education, and service at the University of Minnesota. St. Paul, added to its long-standing commit- ment to the University of Minnesota by Dennis W. and Audrey L. Anderson, Cancer Fund, the group has raised more than pledging $250,000 to the Center for Lung Vining, Minnesota, made a generous gift $500,000 through its telethon for research, Science and Health in memory of the late of $250,000 in support of the Experimental education, and equipment in the Masonic Thomond O’Brien, a generous donor who Therapeutics Fund in the Department of Cancer Center. supported the center during his lifetime. An Medicine. Established by the Andersons interdisciplinary program affiliated with the Dr. William G. and Louise E. French, in 2003, the fund supports Dr. Arek Dudek Medical School, the Center for Lung Science St. Paul, committed future estate gifts total- and his colleagues as they work to develop and Health promotes better lung health and ing $400,000 for the establishment of five effective treatments for lung cancer. improved care for patients with lung disease funds that will help advance health-related through innovative research, education, and Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), research across the University of Minnesota. outreach activities. Minneapolis, made gifts totaling $1.84 mil- Their gifts will support studies on stem cell lion in support of childhood cancer research therapies; a vision disorder called retinitis Dr. Arnold S. Leonard, Golden Valley, Minne- in the Department of Pediatrics and the pigmentosa; and Guillain-Barre syndrome, sota, made gifts totaling $120,000 in support Hedberg Family/Children’s Cancer Research a disorder in which the immune system of surgical research at the University of Minne- Chair in Pediatric Brain Tumor Research at attacks part of the nervous system. Their sota. A Department of Surgery faculty member the Masonic Cancer Center, University of gifts will also help accelerate research in the for more than four decades, Dr. Leonard prac- Minnesota. CCRF has helped advance child- School of Public Health and in the Medical ticed pediatric surgery and conducted cancer hood cancer research at the University for School’s Department of Family Medicine and research during his tenure at the University. more than 20 years by combining broad- Community Health. He has remained an active supporter of the based community support and highly University’s health-related programs through Dr. Robert L. and Katherine D. Goodale, successful fund-raising events. his own cancer research and his involvement Minneapolis, established a fund to support in Hunt for a Cure, an annual fund-raising Children’s Respiratory and Critical Care pancreatic cancer research in the Department event for surgical research. Specialists, P.A., Minneapolis, pledged of Surgery through a gift of $100,000 from the $216,700 for the establishment of the Goodale Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation The Lions Multiple District Hearing Foundation, Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship Fund, which and a pledge to match $100,000 in gifts from Monticello, Minnesota, gave $164,136 to the will create a new fellowship opportunity other donors to the fund. Dr. Goodale, an Department of Otolaryngology to support in the Department of Pediatrics. Children’s alumnus of the Medical School and past several research projects in the department. Respiratory and Critical Care Specialists recipient of the prestigious Harold S. Diehl The Lions have been generous supporters of provides clinical care to children of all ages Award, served on the Department of Surgery’s the department for more than 30 years. who have respiratory problems. faculty and is highly regarded for his pioneer- Medtronic, Inc., and the Medtronic Founda- ing work in gastrointestinal endoscopic Fairview Health Services, Minneapolis, tion, Minneapolis, have made combined gifts surgery. In 2003, he and his wife, Katherine, provided support for the Medical School’s totaling $104,275 in support of various initia- established the Robert and Katherine Goodale research and educational priorities by con- tives in the Medical School and School of Chair in Minimally Invasive Surgery. tributing an additional $666,666 to the Public Health. Medtronic — a global leader Medical School Dean’s Discretionary Fund. Robert L. Hart, Minneapolis, was so in products and therapies for cardiovascular Over the years, Fairview has contributed impressed by the care he received as a patient diseases and conditions — has partnered with immensely to the University of Minnesota’s at the University of Minnesota that he estab- the University for many years to improve the health-related programs, supporting initia- lished the Robert Leonard Hart Endowment in health and well-being of people worldwide. tives from stem cell research to building of Internal Medicine. The endowment — made Minnesota Masonic Charities pledged the Hope Lodge, a new facility near the Uni- possible by Mr. Hart’s future estate gift of $65 million — the largest gift ever made to versity’s Twin Cities campus that provides $2 million, $125,000 pledge, and commitment the University of Minnesota — in support of lodging and support to adult cancer patients. of continued support throughout his lifetime — the University’s Cancer Center. The Masons will fund scholarships for University medical The Fifth District Eagles, Rochester, Minnesota, have supported cancer research and care at students interested in internal medicine. donated $130,000 to the Masonic Cancer the University for more than half a century, Center, University of Minnesota, through The Healthier Minnesota Community Clinic and their cumulative giving now totals their annual fund-raising event, the Fifth Fund, St. Paul — an advocate for low-income $100 million. In recognition of their far- District Eagles Cancer Telethon of Southern people, communities of color, and medically reaching commitment, the University has Minnesota. Under the leadership of Robert underserved individuals — contributed named its Cancer Center the Masonic Cancer Callier Sr., senior director of the Eagles’ $150,000 to the Community University Health Center, University of Minnesota (see related Care Center (CUHCC) dental clinic. Located in story on page 1).

6 givingmatters Spring 2008 Presidents Club

Welcome new members!

Additionally, the Masonic Cancer Center Because of their generous support, the following donors became members, or rose Fund, Inc., a branch of Minnesota Masonic to a higher giving society, of the University of Minnesota Presidents Club between Charities, pledged $874,729 in support over January 1 and May 1, 2008. Their gifts have been designated (all or in part) to the the coming year to advance the research and Medical School, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, or other areas served by clinical care endeavors of Department of the Minnesota Medical Foundation. Medicine faculty in hematology, oncology, and transplantation who see patients in the Regents Society The MacLaurin Institute Masonic Cancer Clinic at the University. ($500,000 to $1 million) Roger and Nancy McCabe Foundation Jeanne T. McGahee The Nash Avery Foundation of Minneapolis + Edith P. and + Joseph E. Wargo Nidus Laboratories, Inc. and Charley’s Fund, Inc., of South Egremont, Trustees Society Peter F. and Carolyn L. Pierce Massachusetts, jointly committed $1 million ($100,000 to $500,000) Drs. Deborah E. and Ralph D. Powell for the establishment of two funds that will Drs. Paul R. and Kimberly A. Bohjanen Albert J. Schroeder, M.D. support collaborative research on Duchenne Robert Leonard Hart Sandra M. Skovlund, M.D. Dr. Robert C. Johnson, ’62 Alexandra Statland muscular dystrophy at the University of Medica and Medica Foundation Dr. Halbert F., ’74, and Kathleen Harper Wenngatz Minnesota and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Dr. Rene W., ’64, and Barbara A. Pelletier Heritage Society in Belgium. In honor of their founders’ sons, Joseph N. and + Leslie R. Shneider (Future gifts) both the Nash Avery Foundation and Charley’s Chancellors Society Dr. Brian T., ’71, and Miriam H. Ebeling Fund, Inc., raise money for Duchenne muscu- ($50,000 to $100,000) Dr. William G. and Louise E. French lar dystrophy research with the goal of slowing Dr. Quentin N., ’62, and Mary L. Anderson Mildred V. Giordano and eventually curing this disorder. AO North America Robert Leonard Hart Brian T., ’71, and Miriam H. Ebeling Dr. Robert C. Johnson, ’62 The alumni association and foundation of Hope On Wheels Hyundai Dealers, Inc. Kerry J. Schrampfer Kincaid the Program in Healthcare Administration, Kerry J. Schrampfer Kincaid Kathleen A. and + Glen A. Ludwig Minneapolis, contributed $901,000 for the North Star Charitable Foundation Jeanne T. McGahee Kay F. Quam establishment of 14 scholarships for aspiring Tankenoff Families Foundation Dr. Theodore R. and Lynette Thompson Dr. Theodore R. and Lynette Thompson health-care leaders in the School of Public Paul T. White, J.D. Founders society Health. Since 1948, members of the Program Nancy J. Wick ($25,000 to $50,000) in Healthcare Administration’s alumni associ- ation and foundation have been outstanding Harper Family Foundation + Deceased Bryson D. and Catherine A. Holliman ambassadors for the program by helping to recruit and mentor talented students from throughout the country.

The Randy Shaver Cancer Research and which brings together the Minnesota Twins A researcher at the University of Minnesota Community Fund, Wayzata, Minnesota, and baseball enthusiasts, raises money for Medical School–Duluth Campus, Dr. Kendall contributed $190,000 for cancer research research on ataxia, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Wallace studies the negative effects of expo- across the University of Minnesota. Shaver Parkinson’s disease, and muscular dystrophy. sure to certain chemicals. Community Fund leaders Randy Shaver and Dr. Theodore R. and Lynette Thompson, The estate of Edith P. Wargo, Minneapolis, Roseann Giovanatto-Shaver have supported New Brighton, Minnesota, committed a contributed $400,000 in support of cancer cancer initiatives in the community since generous future estate gift to establish the and cardiovascular research at the University 1994. Over the last four years, they have Dr. Theodore and Lynette Thompson Neo- of Minnesota. Mrs. Wargo was an alumna of directed more than $500,000 to cancer- natology Fellowship Endowed Fund, as well the University of Minnesota Law School related projects at the University through as a future estate gift and current pledge for (Class of ’38), founder of “Lex Alumnae” for the Shaver Community Fund. the establishment of the Dr. Theodore and women law graduates, and executive at the Research to Prevent Blindness, New York, Lynette Thompson Endowed Scholarship former Powers Department Store. contributed $110,000 to the Department of Fund. Dr. Thompson is a member of the Nancy J. Wick, St. Paul, established the Ophthalmology to help advance research Medical School and School of Public Health John M. Manning Scholarship Fund by on the causes, prevention, and treatment faculties and serves on the boards of Univer- committing a future estate gift. The scholar- of blinding diseases. Since its inception in sity of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, ship — established in honor of Mrs. Wick’s 1960, Research to Prevent Blindness has and University of Minnesota Physicians. late father — will support medical students given hundreds of millions of dollars to medi- He and his wife, Lynette, have supported who plan to pursue a career in oncology, with cal institutions nationwide for research on health-related programs at the University preference given to students who have lost a diseases that damage and destroy sight. for more than 20 years. parent to cancer. Supervalu Inc., Minneapolis, and its subsid- The 3M Company, St. Paul, continued its iary Cub Foods, Stillwater, directed their third long-standing support of the University of annual Diamond Awards sponsorship gifts Minnesota by contributing $150,000 to the totaling $317,500 to the University of Minneso- Ken Wallace/3M Toxicology Research Fund. ta’s neurology programs. Diamond Awards,

7 Historic Gift continued from front page

The Masons’ latest gift will allow Masonic Cancer Center physicians and scientists to H abermann The Minnesota Medical Foundation is a nonprofit orga- expand their studies in many areas, including nization that raises funds for health-related research, cancer survivorship. And it will help launch M i k e : education, and service at the University of Minnesota. important studies of promising new treat- P hoto Schools we support ments and prevention strategies for several Medical School School of Public Health types of cancer.

AFFILIATE Organizations With a decline in federal grants, Yee Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center says, researchers today need to have solid International Hearing Foundation University Pediatrics Foundation preliminary data to compete for federal dol-

STAFF LEADERSHIP lars. The Masons’ support gives University Becky Malkerson cancer researchers an edge by allowing them President and CEO the time they need to gather those data. Then–Grand Master of the Minnesota Masons Raymond Catherine Henry Vice President, Marketing Historically, the Masons, who make up the Christensen, M.D., celebrated the historic gift with and communications world’s oldest and largest fraternity, have Minnesota Medical Foundation president and CEO Cindy J. Kaiser Becky Malkerson. Chief Financial Officer and directed many of their University gifts to bricks Vice President, Operations Patricia K. Porter and mortar. Their first gift built the Masonic Vice President, Development Memorial Hospital, which admitted its first With their latest pledge, the Masons 2007 – 2008 BOARD OF TRUSTEES patient in 1958 and still stands today as a can- have expanded the scope of their giving. John M. Murphy Jr. Chair The $65 million will be used to fund University Susan B. Plimpton VICE Chair cer clinic and general research building. Sidney Kaplan Secretary They also contributed $5 million to con- research focused on better cancer treatments George E. Maas Treasurer struct the Masonic Cancer Research Building, or a cure, Neetenbeek says. Catherine Agee which houses the newly renamed Masonic Hon. Clyde E. Allen Jr.* Measuring impact Mark Allison* Cancer Center, one of just 41 comprehensive DeWalt H. (Pete) Ankeny Jr. Masonic support over the years is evident cancer centers recognized by the National Macaran A. Baird, M.D., M.S.* throughout the campus’s East Bank. Today Joel L. Boyd, M.D. Cancer Institute. This designation is awarded David M. Brown, M.D. oncology clinical trials are being conducted to institutions that make ongoing, significant Robert H. Bruininks, Ph.D.* in the old Masonic hospital, now known Richard A. Carlson, M.D., F.A.C.R. advances in cancer research, treatment, as the Masonic Cancer Clinic, and basic Frank B. Cerra, M.D.* and education. James L. Craig, M.D., M.P.H. scientists are making important discoveries Gary L. Davis, Ph.D.* Wendy Dayton in the research building that bears the

Timothy J. Ebner, M.D., Ph.D.* J ensen Masons’ name. Beth Erickson

John R. Finnegan Jr., Ph.D.* E mily : Yee credits members of the Masonic Barbara L. Forster organization in the early 1950s for realizing Stanley M. Goldberg, M.D. P hoto Alison B. Good that people with cancer needed specialized Peter M. Grant care and following through on that vision. Susan Gunderson “That idea was way ahead of the curve,” Richard E. Kuntz, M.D. Richard L. Lindstrom, M.D. he says. “Most other places didn’t come to Fred A. Lyon, M.D. that realization until the ’70s.” Thomas G. Olson Philip W. Ordway As deputy director of the Masonic Cancer Treva Paparella* Center and longtime chief of the Department Deborah E. Powell, M.D.* Robert N. Schulenberg, M.D. of Medicine’s Division of Hematology, Oncol- Teresa F. Sit* ogy, and Transplantation, Philip McGlave, Randolph C. Steer, M.D., Ph.D. James P. Steiner M.D., has seen firsthand the impact of the Richard L. Stennes, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.E.P. Masons’ giving. James P. Stephenson “The good they have done can’t be mea- Mary K. Stern, CFA Minnesota Masonic Charities president and CEO Eric Martin J. Stillman, M.D., J.D.* sured in dollars,” he says. “It is measured in Neetenbeek and Masonic Cancer Center director Douglas Roby C. Thompson Jr., M.D. the development of young physicians and Charles F. Wiser Jr. Yee, M.D., were in high spirits at the event.

*Ex officio members investigators entering the cancer field, bricks

For More information and mortar to house cancer patients and can- Minnesota Medical Foundation cer researchers, and improvement in the length McNamara Alumni Center 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 300 and quality of life for people with cancer.” Minneapolis, MN 55455–2030 612-625-1440 800-922-1663 mmf @ mmf.umn.edu www.mmf.umn.edu givingmatters spring 2008 The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Published three times a year Reader comments and suggestions E Printed on recycled paper using at by the Minnesota Medical Foundation are welcome. Please send to: least 30% post-consumer waste. Please recycle. Meredith McNab Giving Matters editor Minnesota Medical Foundation © 2008 Minnesota Medical Foundation. Nicole Endres 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 300 All rights reserved. Associate Editor Minneapolis, MN 55455–2030 Woychick Design Or contact the editor directly Design a n d Production at 612-625-0657 or Sexton Printing [email protected] printing a n d distributioN