Robert S.D. Higgins Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer | Rush University Medical Center
Robert S.D. Higgins Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer | Rush University Medical Center
Rush University recently honored four faculty members with appointments to endowed positions during a ceremony on June 26. These appointments, supported by philanthropic partners, are considered the university's highest honor and reflect a commitment to Rush's future.
"The Investiture Ceremony stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of our donors in advancing equitable health care through education, research and service at Rush University System for Health," said Julie Hoff, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN, provost of Rush University. "It is my honor to recognize our donors' generosity and celebrate the exceptional faculty members whose leadership and contributions are shaping the future of health care — for learners, patients and communities alike."
The faculty members appointed were:
- Asokumar Buvanendran, MD, to the Anthony D. Ivankovich, MD, Chair of Anesthesiology
- Brian Forsythe, MD, to the Tim and Keli Walbert Chair in Orthopedic Surgery
- Lee Jones, MD, to the Stanley G. Harris Family Professorship of Psychiatry
- David C. Reid, MD, FAAD, to the Clark Wylie Finnerud, MD, Professorship of Dermatology
These recent appointments bring Rush University's total endowed faculty positions to 104. The endowments provide financial resources that support leading faculty and help recruit experts dedicated to improving health.
"During these challenging times in academic health care and research," said Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA. "We are proud to recognize extraordinary leaders who help Rush navigate through these uncharted waters."
The Anthony D. Ivankovich Chair was established by those close to Ivankovich for his contributions to anesthesiology. Buvanendran expressed pride in continuing Ivankovich’s legacy.
“It’s an outstanding honor,” Buvanendran said.
The Tim and Keli Walbert Endowed Chair supports advancements in orthopedics at Rush Arthritis and Orthopaedic Institute.
“I am humbled,” Forsythe said.
The Stanley G. Harris Family Professorship honors Harris’ legacy at Rush Medical Center.
“As a new member,” Jones said.
Reid leads efforts in dermatology under the Clark Wylie Finnerud Professorship established by Una Finnerud in tribute to her husband.
"I believe the work we do changes lives,” Reid said.
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