Chicago City Wire

Rush University has recognized five faculty members with appointments to endowed positions during a ceremony held on October 29. These appointments, made possible in part by philanthropic support, represent the highest academic honor at the university and reflect a commitment to its future.

“We continue to benefit from outstanding leadership during these unprecedented times, and the esteemed faculty honored at this Investiture Ceremony inspire great confidence that Rush’s future is bright,” said Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA, president and chief academic officer of Rush University, chief clinical and academic officer and senior vice president of Rush University System for Health, and the James A. Campbell, MD, Presidential Chair. “The donors who helped to establish these endowed faculty positions put great trust in Rush and have provided resources to support the work of exceptional faculty members. The Investiture Ceremony is a tremendous opportunity to recognize these visionary leaders and honor their contributions as we move forward.”

The following individuals received endowed professorships:

- Fotios Asimakopoulos was named the Robert E. and Emily H. King Professor of Cancer Research.

- Carlos F. Bechara was appointed to the James A. Hunter, MD, University Professorship.

- Dirk Gillespie became the John H. and Margaret V. Krehbiel Professor of Cardiology.

- Julie Anne Hoff was named the Robert C. and Naomi T. Borwell Presidential Professor.

- Augusto Miravalle was appointed Joseph and Florence Manaster Foundation Professor of Multiple Sclerosis.

With these additions, Rush University now holds 105 endowed faculty positions designed to provide ongoing financial support for research efforts and recruitment of leading experts.

Asimakopoulos specializes in hematology and immunotherapy research focused on improving outcomes for patients with blood cancers. He commented on his appointment: “I am grateful to Robert and Emily King for their vision and generosity — and Rush for the honor,” Asimakopoulos said. “It is an exciting time for immunotherapy translational science, and we hope to have our unique cell therapies, generated here at Rush, reach first-in-human clinical trials within the next couple of years.”

Bechara leads vascular surgery at Rush University Medical Center with research centered on complex aortic disease treatments: “It is a true honor to hold the James A. Hunter, MD, University Professorship,” Bechara said. “Dr. Hunter was known to be a superb surgeon, educator and innovator. I promise to use this endowed chair to keep his legacy alive at Rush not only through excellent patient care and outcomes but also through research and innovation.”

Gillespie heads a cardiovascular research group developing strategies against life-threatening arrhythmias: “I am deeply grateful to the Krehbiel family and their support of cardiac research,” Gillespie said. “Such work is the basis of new drugs and therapies over the next decades. It is an important investment in the long-term mission of Rush. But this endowment has already paid dividends by allowing me to be part of new research projects, including one that identified how one cardiac drug reaches its target.”

Hoff serves as provost at Rush University: “Being appointed to the Robert C. and Naomi T. Borwell Presidential Professorship is a profound honor,” Hoff said. “This endowment enables the Provost’s Office to continue to advance Rush’s legacy of ethics, empathy and equity, while fostering excellence and possibility across our entire academic community.”

Miravalle leads multiple sclerosis care initiatives: “Being named the Joseph and Florence Manaster Foundation Professor of Multiple Sclerosis is a profound honor and a catalyst for discovery, fueling my commitment to advance research, innovation and transformative brain health programs that will change the future of care and ensure every person with MS can live with hope, dignity and resilience,” Miravalle said.

During the same ceremony three additional faculty were recognized as endowed scholars:

- Anne DeBenedetti (Walbert Endowed Faculty Scholar in Joint Reconstruction Research)

- Chuka Nestor Emezue (John L. & Helen Kellogg Endowed Faculty Scholar)

- Matthew S. Meyers (Richard G. Cole Endowed Faculty Scholar)

These three-year scholar appointments are supported by philanthropy.

DeBenedetti directs adult reconstruction research in orthopedics: “This recognition is a celebration not only of research and improving our patients’ lives but also of the relationships and mentorships that have shaped my career,” DeBenedetti said. “I am honored to carry on the support of the next generation of orthopedic surgeons and researchers who will continue this work long after me, thanks to Tim and Keli Walbert’s generosity.”

Emezue focuses on youth mental health interventions: “I’m deeply honored to serve as the inaugural John L. & Helen Kellogg Endowed Faculty Scholar at Rush,” Emezue said. “This endowment empowers our mission to transform youth mental health through trauma- and risk-informed digital interventions, community-based programs, and innovative research…advancing health equity and creating pathways to resilience for youth and families who need it most.”

Meyers researches neuropsychiatric conditions related to movement disorders: “I am honored to be appointed as the Richard G.Cole Endowed Faculty Scholar,” Meyers said.“I joined Rush last year…Thanks to…the Cole family…and their commitment… I have been given an opportunity to contribute…For that,I am deeply grateful.”

Rush University Medical Center operates out of Chicago since its founding in 1837 under current president Dr.Omar Lateef.The hospital includes pediatric services,and functions as both healthcare provider and training institution.https://www.rush.edu/about-us/rush-university-medical-center