Chronicle of Giving | Winter 2014

Chronicle Of Giving Medical College of Virginia Foundation Winter 2014-2015

The Byrd Family Legacy VCUMCV Foundation

Chronicle Of Giving §

The Chronicle of Giving is published twice a year by the MCV Foundation for alumni and friends of the Medical College of Virginia Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. © 2014 MCV Foundation

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A Letter from Chairman Johnson

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Foundation Financials

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Pharmacy Gala Honors Deans

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Pauley Heart Center Consortium

10 Byrd Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery 11 Judith Secor Gives Hope

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Contributors: Beth W. Ayers, Suzanne K. Hinton, Nan L. Johnson, William P. Kotti, Cynthia H. McMullen, Lucy W. Mitzner, Julia B. Ratliff, Sandra M. Shelley, Matthew G. Steele, and Brian S. Thomas.

Design: Kevin E. Schindler Photography: As noted

Contents

The MCV Foundation’s mission is to inspire and steward philanthropy throughout the MCV Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. Chartered in 1949, the MCV Foundation works in partnership with alumni and friends of MCV Schools, Hospitals and Massey Cancer Center.

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We support the institution in its quest: • To preserve and restore health • To seek the cause and cure of diseases • To educate those who would serve humanity

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Through your donations, the MCV Foundation provides integral support to the dedicated teachers, clinicians, researchers and students whose efforts place the MCV Campus among the world’s leading academic medical centers providing technically superb and compassionate care to patients.

The MCV Foundation supports the education, research and clinical care mission of our MCV Campus Partners: School of Allied Health Professions, School of Dentistry, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, Massey Cancer Center, MCV Alumni Association and MCV Hospitals.

Chronicle Of Giving Medical College of Virginia Foundation Winter 2014

The Byrd Family Legacy VCUMCV Foundation

On the Cover

School of Medicine

Drs. Abbott and Allison Byrd, School of Medicine Class of 1978, endow a Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery on the MCV Campus.

Cover photo: Kevin Schindler

Egyptian Building photo this page and Chairman Gail W. Johnson photo next page: Kevin Schindler

MCV Foundation

MCV Foundation Board of Trustees 2014-2015

Dear Friends: I am pleased to report that the MCV Foundation continues to move forward. The Foundation’s assets have reached record heights, funding across the MCV Campus is robust, and our outreach efforts have helped raise the visibility of the VCU Medical Center as it takes bold steps to ensure its place among the top academic medical centers in the nation.

Last February, our Foundation Board embarked on a strategic planning Gail W. Johnson, R.N. process designed to clarify the Foundation’s roles and more clearly define its “aligned independent” relationship with the University. Trustees Charlie Bryan and Liz Buono led a committee of board members through this important exercise resulting in a draft of a two-year operating plan. This plan, approved by our Board of Trustees on November 17, 2014, provides strategic goals and objectives for the Foundation during the next two years. Approving this plan was a major milestone for the Foundation and will lead to the development of a more thorough strategic plan after our new President is in place next year.

The Foundation welcomed five new Trustees to our Board in July. Dr. Charles M. Caravati, Jr., a retired physician and former President of Dermatology Associates of Virginia, brings tremendous insight to our Board. He previously served on the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors as well as the boards of ChildFund International, St. Christopher’s School, Sheltering Arms Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Villa. His father, Dr. Charles M. Caravati, served on the MCV Foundation Board and was Chairman from 1977 to 1978. Herbert A. Claiborne, III, is General Counsel and Secretary of Carpenter Company. Prior to joining Carpenter Company, Mr. Claiborne practiced law with McGuireWoods, specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions and Securities from 1982 until 1988. He served on the VCU School of Nursing Advancement Council from 2002 to 2012. Mr. Claiborne’s father, Dr. Herbert A. Claiborne, Jr., also served as the Chairman of the MCV Foundation Board from 1995 until 2001 and remains active with the Board as a Lifetime Honorary Trustee. John W. Slyh is a partner at Deloitte & Touche. He specializes in accounting, audit and SEC reporting. Mr. Slyh brings a high level of financial expertise to the Foundation Board. Ellen E. Spong returned to the MCV Foundation Board in July.

She served on the MCV Foundation Board from 2002 to 2012. Ms. Spong is Senior Vice President for Philanthropy Services at Wells Fargo in Richmond. Previously, she held positions as Managing Director at SunTrust Bank, Director of Planned Giving at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and as Vice President of Charitable Asset Management/Corporate Trust at SunTrust Bank. Judith Forehand Woods is a community volunteer in Williamsburg. She has served on the board of Literacy for Life and is a member of the Board of Directors for Virginia Symphony Society of Greater Williamsburg.

Mrs. Woods serves on the Host Committee for the MCV Foundation’s Discovery Series events.

The MCV Foundation’s Endowment generated a return of 13.2% in fiscal year 2014. This performance contributed a $39.2 million increase in the total value of the endowment. As of June 30, 2014, our endowment reached $387 million and the Foundation’s total assets approached $480 million.

In August our Board was saddened with the resignation of Bill Kotti as President of the MCV Foundation.

Bill served the MCV Foundation for more than seven years. We wish Bill well in his new position as Associate Vice President for Development at Emory University. We appointed Brian Thomas, Senior Executive Director of Development, as Interim President and have launched a national search to fill this position.

On behalf of my fellow Trustees, I want to express my gratitude to our alumni and friends. Your generosity helps set the standard by which our success is measured. The impact of your support enriches the education of our students, the lives of our patients, and the important work of our faculty.

Sincerely,

Gail W. Johnson, R.N. Chairman MCV Foundation Board of Trustees

Ralph L. Anderson, D.D.S. John O. Beckner, R.Ph. Katherine C. Bobbitt, Ed.D. Roger L. Boevé Austin Brockenbrough, III Charles F. Bryan, Jr., Ph.D. Elizabeth Whalley Buono Charles M. Caravati, Jr., M.D. Herbert A. Claiborne, III, J.D. Richard M. Clary, M.D. Judith B. Collins, W.H.N.P. William D. Covington, D.D.S. Charles F. Crone Norwood H. Davis, Jr. Jeffrey H. Gumenick L. Preston Hale, R.Ph. Eva T. Hardy JoAnne K. Henry, Ed.D. Basil Leonard Hurst, III Darius A. Johnson Gail W. Johnson, R.N. Barry V. Kirkpatrick, M.D. Lee B. Krumbein David A. Lyons John W. Martin Ronald H. McFarlane J. Keith Middleton, CPA Rebecca T. Perdue W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr., D.D.S. John F. Philips, D.D.S. James H. Revere, Jr., D.D.S. Bertha C. Rolfe, RPh John W. Slyh, CPA T.K. Somanath Ellen E. Spong James H. Starkey, III Joseph M. Teefey Harry R. Thalhimer George W. Vetrovec, M.D. Richard P. Wenzel, M.D., M.Sc. Michelle Y. Whitehurst-Cook, M.D. Judith Forehand Woods Harold F. Young, M.D. Ex Officio Members: William M. Ginther VCU Board of Visitors appointee to the MCV Foundation Audit & Appropriations Committee Michael Rao, Ph.D. President of VCU Sheldon M. Retchin, M.D., M.S.P.H. Chief Executive Officer, VCU Health System and VCU Senior Vice President for Health Sciences

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

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Farewell to Bill Kotti Bill Kotti stepped down as President of the MCV Foundation on August 30 to become the Associate Vice President for Development at Emory University in Atlanta.

Bill joined the MCV Foundation in January 2007. Under his leadership, total assets at the MCV Foundation grew from $291 million in FY 2006 to $480 million in FY 2014. During this time frame, new gifts and pledges to the MCV Campus averaged $49.3 million per year.

Under Bill’s administration, the MCV Foundation led the effort to establish a formal Grateful Patient gift program. In recent years, the MCV Foundation has helped coordinate a comprehensive development program across the MCV Campus and with the University. “We are so grateful to Bill for his excellent leadership over the past seven years,” said MCV Foundation Board Chair Gail Johnson. “The entire University community wishes Bill and Michelle the very best.”

“The entire University community wishes Bill and Michelle the very best.”

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2 1: Interim President Brian Thomas and Dr. Bill Kotti reminisce on their time together at the Foundation. 2: Dr. Sheldon Retchin shares a funny story with the audience. 3: Former Chairman Dr. John Doswell, Chairman Gail Johnson, Former Chairman Dr. Ruth Campbell-Taylor, and Dr. Bill Kotti gathered to toast the legacy they continue. 4: A group of current and former MCV Foundation staff gather with Dr. Bill Kotti, center, for a picture: Brian Thomas, Kenneth Melvin, Joyce Bush, Amanda Van Thunen, Bonnie Moore, Lucy Mitzner, Julia Ratliff, Matthew Steele, Brooks Pickels.

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Event photos: Kevin Schindler

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

Financial Position & Highlights Medical College of Virginia Foundation Statement of Financial Position

Assets

For the year ended June 30, 2014 Amounts in thousands

Operating pooled investments Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,928 Long-term investments 52,463 Total operating pooled investments

65,391

Managed portfolio pooled investments

390,398

Agency assets

1,387

Other assets

22,467

Total Assets: $ 479,643

Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities Debt service obligations $ 8,575 Accounts payable 518 Obligation under split-interest agreements 2,145 Agency liabilities 1,387

Net Assets Donor restricted Temporarily Permanently Unrestricted Board designated Other

Total liabilities: $ 12,625

$ 236,794 175,651 32,838 21,735 Total net assets: $ 467,018

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

Total Assets: $ 479,643

Medical College of Virginia Foundation Financial Highlights Total Assets (in millions)

For the year ended June 30, 2014 Amounts in thousands

2010

$355.3

2011

$415.5

2012

$410.2

2013

$444.1

2014

$479.6

Program Disbursements (in millions) 2010

$29.3

2011

$29.2

2012

$29.4

2013

$31.8

2014

$32.7

Cash Contributions Totaling $33.7 million by Source 28.1% Friends and Grateful Patients 24.4% Foundations 20.3% Corporations 15.4% Organizations 11.8% Alumni

Disbursements Totaling $32.7 million by Program 75.18% Education, research and general 12.98% Faculty salaries and support 6.26% Scholarships and awards 5.24% Other program services .34% Indigent patient care

This is a condensed version of the financial statements submitted to the MCV Foundation. Our independent auditor issued an Unmodified Opinion on the complete financial statements, which can be obtained by writing or calling the MCV Foundation office.

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

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Winning the Fight Against ALS The evening of March 24th was a bittersweet one with the inaugural Harper’s Hope Celebration at the Country Club of Virginia. The purpose of the event was to kick off the Harper’s Hope Fund for ALS. Established by ALS patient Victor Harper, who sadly succumbed to the disease just weeks before, this fund is meant to help cover costs of clinic expansion, research, patient care, and education efforts at VCU. Joined by family and friends of the Harper Family, as well as community members involved in ALS research and advocacy, the night was kicked off by remarks by Dr. William P. Kotti, Former President of the MCV Foundation, followed by Dr. Sheldon Retchin, VCU Senior Vice President of Health Sciences and CEO of the VCU Health System, who made remarks on the importance of the fund to the VCU Health System and the debilitating nature of ALS. Interim Chair of Neurology, Dr. Scott Vota, who treated Mr. Harper, spoke to the Harper’s Hope Fund’s benefits for patient care and the new Reynolds Crossing Clinic. Dr. James P. Bennett, Jr., Director of the VCU Parkinson’s Disease Center, also spoke to how the fund will advance research in ALS and other neuromuscular diseases.

At the end of the program, Shane Maley remembered his friend’s dreams for the future of the fund and Vic’s wife, Anne Harper, took the podium to say thank you to those in attendance.

To learn more about the Harper’s Hope Fund for ALS, view our YouTube video by searching “Harper’s Hope Fund” or contact the VCU Medical Center’s Development Office at 804-828-4100.

1: Victor Harper’s family, from left to right: Michael Derrer, Frances Derrer, Kathryn Harper, Anne Harper, Landon Harper, and Jaime Harper.

2: Dr. Sheldon Retchin takes the podium to speak about the VCU Health System’s dedication to ALS patient care and research.

3: Anne Harper and Frances Derrer catch up with Dr. Scott Vota and his wife, Kristie, during the reception.

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The Four Aims of the Harper’s Hope Fund for ALS Expand VCU’s multidisciplinary ALS clinic.

The fund will enable the ALS Clinic to grow into the new space at Reynolds Crossing and hire clinical specialists to provide care specific to the needs of ALS patients in Central Virginia and beyond. Harper’s Hope also seeks to create an endowed professorship that will sustain the leadership for the program and support the clinical research arm of the practice.

Create an assistance program to support patients and their families.

Many patients with ALS struggle with the financial burdens and complex care that come with an ALS diagnosis. To better provide for patients facing these issues, Harper’s Hope aims to provide funds for a patient advocate who will help patients and their care givers access essential resources like loaner equipment programs and navigate government agencies’ process for getting disability assistance. In addition, a fund will be available as a safety net resource to help patients with limited financial means afford treatment, equipment and home-care assistance.

Establish a translational research program targeting ALS.

Gifts to Harper’s Hope will support translational research for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases by investing in needed facilities, staff, equipment and lab materials.

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Create an education and outreach program.

Education activities supported by Harper’s Hope will provide informational materials for patients, caregivers and family members who are eager to seek better treatment for ALS. Outreach includes work with neurologists, patients, caregivers and family members in Central Virginia and beyond.

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Photos this page: CSI Studios

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

Endowed Professorship Honors Sickle Cell Research Advocate On May 5, 2014, the Department of Internal Medicine hosted a reception to announce the appointment of Dr. Wally R. Smith as the inaugural holder of the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship in Sickle Cell Disease Research. This appointment marks a milestone for the Division of General Internal Medicine and the efforts of Florence Neal Cooper Smith who has spearheaded a fundraising effort to endow a professorship.

“I am truly honored to hold this professorship that is named for a remarkable woman who has worked tirelessly for more than four decades to increase awareness of Sickle Cell Disease and raise funds for research,” said Dr. Wally Smith. “Florence continues her work and is a champion for the MCV Campus and a hero to me.”

The Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship is the first endowed professorship to focus on Sickle Cell Disease research and one of a handful of endowed professorships named for an African American Woman.

In 1969, Florence Neal Cooper Smith organized Richmond’s first city-wide survey with the help of local civic, social and community organizations, to determine the extent of Sickle Cell awareness in the surrounding localities. In 1972, Dr. Robert B. Scott, Jr. worked with Florence Neal Cooper Smith to establish the innovative Virginia Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Program at MCV. Through their efforts, Virginia now screens all newborns at birth for Sickle Cell Disease.

Photo: (from left to right) Dr. Robert Scott, former Virginia Governor The Honorable L. Douglas Wilder, Mrs. Florence Neal Cooper Smith, Dr. Wally Smith, and Dr. John Nestler gather to honor Dr. Smith’s appointment as the inaugural Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professor in Sickle Cell Disease Research.

Photo: VCU University Marketing

Dr. Sheldon Retchin Named Inaugural Perlin Professor

Photo: (from left to right) Dr. Jonathan Perlin, Dr. Donna Perlin, Mrs. Tracy Retchin, Dr. Sheldon Retchin, Dr. Seymour Perlin, and Mrs. Ruth Perlin spend an evening in Washington, DC to celebrate the inaugural investiture of the Seymour and Ruth Perlin Professor of Health Administration and Internal Medicine. This Professorship is the first to cross over between schools of the MCV Campus and seeks to support the collaborative scholarship VCU is known for.

Sheldon Retchin, MD, MSPH, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences at VCU, CEO of the VCU Health System, and an Affiliate Professor in the Department of Health Administration, was invested as the inaugural Seymour and Ruth Perlin Professor of Health Administration and Internal Medicine at a dinner at the Cosmos Club in Washington, DC on May 1. The Professorship, the first to be established across two schools on the MCV campus, was endowed by Drs. Jonathan and Donna Perlin in honor of his parents, Dr. Seymour and Ruth Perlin.

Dr. Jonathan Perlin, Chief Medical Officer & President, Clinical Services, of HCA in Nashville, is a 1997 graduate of the MSHA program. He also received MD and PhD degrees from VCU. Dr. Donna Perlin is also a VCU MD alumna.

Dr. Retchin’s cross-disciplinary background reflects the goals of the professorship, which supports scholarship and collaboration between the Department of Health Administration in the School of Allied Health Professions and the Department of Internal Medicine in the School of Medicine.

Story and photo: Beth Ayers

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

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VCU Pharmacy Gala Honors Transition of Deans

Dr. Victor Yanchick poses next to the official decanal portrait.

More than 350 Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy alumni, faculty, residents, students, preceptors,

Following a cocktail reception and dinner, VCU President Dr. Michael Rao announced that the Victor A. Yanchick Professorship in Geriatric Pharmacy had been established in the dean’s name. Dr. Rao commended Dean Yanchick on his “profound legacy … that will be our building block for years to come.”

Dr. Rao also congratulated the School of Pharmacy on having been fortunate enough to attract Dr. DiPiro, who most recently served as executive dean and professor for the South Carolina College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Sheldon Retchin, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO for the VCU Health System, said he’d never seen the Grand Ballroom so packed. “It’s rare that you have deans travel this far!” he joked.

Dr. Robert Blouin, dean of the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, was on hand, as well as Dr. Lynn Crismon and Dr. James Doluisio, current and emeriti deans of the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. VCU School of Dentistry’s Dean David Sarrett and the School of Nursing’s retired dean, Dr. Nancy Langston, and current dean, Dr. Jean Giddens, also were in attendance.

“I have been the world’s luckiest guy,” Dean Yanchick remarked at evening’s end, adding that the support he has received over the years has left him with a sense of both humility and pride.

As an example, he said, “I am so proud of this professorship in geriatric pharmacy. With our aging population, we have to take care of our elders in the best possible way.”

Thanking the audience for attending, he said, “I am so pleased Joe is going to be the next dean. You are in good hands now.”

friends and family convened on May 29 at Richmond’s Jefferson Hotel to mark the passing of an era. The VCU Pharmacy Gala celebrated Dr. Victor A. Yanchick’s 18 years of leadership as dean and Dr. Joseph T. DiPiro’s appointment as new dean.

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Dean Joseph DiPiro and his wife, Cecily, with Dr. Yanchick during his Retirement Gala dinner.

Photos this page: CSI Studios

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

Endowed Lectureship Brings MCV Campus Departments Together On March 27, the VCU Department of Internal Medicine and the VCU School of Dentistry hosted the annual Harry & Zackia Shaia Memorial Lecture. Internal medicine and dental faculty members attended the presentation of Dr. Eric Holmboe, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the ABIM Foundation, as he lectured on Realizing the Promise of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) for Patients and Professionals. This lectureship was established by Mr. Ed Shaia and Mr. Richard Shaia in 1965 in honor of their parents. After the lecture concluded, Mr. Ed Shaia and his wife, Mrs. Marie Shaia, joined Dr. Holmboe, and Dr. John Nestler, Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Stephanie Call, Associate Chair for Education for the Department of Internal Medicine, and Dr. David Sarrett, Dean of the VCU School of Dentistry, for conversation and a luncheon held at the MCV Foundation.

Above: (from left to right, back row) Lucy Mitzner, Dr. David Sarrett, Dean of the School of Dentistry, Dr. Stephanie Call, Associate Chair for Education for the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. John Nestler, Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, and speaker, Dr. Eric Holmboe, joined Mrs. Marie Shaia and Mr. Ed Shaia (center) for conversation after the Harry & Zackia Shaia Memorial Lecture.

Photo: VCU University Marketing

Celebrating the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 1

On April 10, 2014 faculty, housestaff, and friends gathered to celebrate the excellence of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Chairman Dr. Robert Adelaar hosted a reception at the Willow Oaks Country Club for the celebratory event. The department has grown tremendously in acquiring new faculty to set the VCU Department of Orthopaedic Surgery apart from other national institutions. Dr. Adelaar spoke and recognized the members of the faculty and Dr. Jerome F. Strauss, Dean of the VCU School of Medicine, also commended the department and their efforts in research and practice.

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1: Dean of the School of Medicine, Dr. Jerry Strauss, Cathy Strauss, Alvin Hutzler, II and Joanne Hutzler enjoy each other’s company overlooking the beautiful grounds of the Willow Oaks Country Club.

2: Jonathan and Anne Marie Perel join Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Bob Adelaar in conversation during the reception.

3: Kitchie and Alex McMurtrie celebrate the excellence of the department with Carol Adelaar.

4: Dr. Rick Meyers, Judy Caspari, and Sally Meyers mingle with Dr. Bob Adelaar as the evening progresses.

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Photos: VCU University Marketing

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

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Research Showcased at Pauley’s 2014 Cardiology Consortium

Photos (left to right): Dr. John Nestler, Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine, Kenneth Wright, and Dr. Jerry Strauss, III, Dean of the School of Medicine, catch up on the latest news. • Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen, Chairman of the Division of Cardiology, Dorothy Pauley, and Stan Pauley discuss the events at the center bearing their name. • Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen presented a commemorative plate to Dr. George Vetrovec to celebrate his new title of Master of the American College of Cardiology. Photos: VCU University Marketing

“We have had a tremendous year at the Pauley Heart Center,” said Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen, Chair of the VCU Medical Center’s Cardiology Division, in his opening remarks to attendants of the 2014 Cardiology Consortium, held on April 29 at the Jefferson Hotel.

This year, instead of a single keynote speaker, three young VCU cardiologists who are also scientists presented some of their leading edge studies. Dr. Antonio Abbate, the James C. Roberts, Esquire Professor in Cardiology, shared his research on the role of inflammation in heart disease. Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Dr. Jordana Kron spoke about her interests, including cardiac sarcoidosis, a multisystem disease that can cause heart failure or sudden death, as well as about VCU’s leadership in mentoring, supporting and encouraging females in the field of cardiology. And finally, Dr. Keyur Shah, Medical

Director of the Mechanical Circulatory Support Program, shared some of his clinical research in advanced heart failure.

“As an academic medical center we are able to tightly weave science and clinical care. This means that the work that cardiologists like Jordana Kron, Keyur Shah and Antonio Abbate do is aimed directly at improving patient outcomes,” said Dr. Jerome F. Strauss, III, Dean, VCU School of Medicine.

Dr. Sheldon M. Retchin, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences, and CEO, VCU Health System, agreed. “I am constantly inspired by the outstanding work of our physician-scientists at the Pauley Heart Center. The scope of their research is truly amazing,” he said. “All of us on the MCV Campus are truly grateful to the Pauley family and the hundreds of other donors who help to ensure the continued sucWritten by Sandra Shelley cess of our efforts.”

MCV Society members gathered at historic Civil War site

Photos (left to right): Dr. Wyatt Beazley and VCU Senior Vice President for Health Sciences, Dr. Sheldon Retchin, take in the historic surroundings. • Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Gail Johnson, Judy Collins, and Judy Clough reminisce of good times together. • Dr. John Doswell, Kenneth Wright, and David Lyons enjoyed conversation during the event.

As the sun was setting on a beautiful, clear day in late April, supporters and friends of the MCV Campus gathered at The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar to commemorate the eighth annual celebration of the MCV Society. MCV Foundation Board of Trustees Chair, Gail Johnson, welcomed a group of over 75 MCV Society members and guests to the magnificent historic site.

Members and guests enjoyed conversation and reminisced while learning from the staff and volunteers about the rich history of the scenic spot on the James River.

Membership in the MCV Society continues to grow every year.

The Society welcomed 11 new members this year, bringing the total membership up to nearly 350.

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Event photos: CSI Studios

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

In 1994, the MCV Foundation created the Heritage Society, later renamed the MCV Society, to recognize and extend gratitude to those who have made provisions in their estate plans in support of any of the MCV Campus schools – Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy – as well as the VCU Medical Center, VCU Massey Cancer Center, or the TompkinsMcCaw Library. The MCV Society includes the Lawrence Society, named for Dr. Walter Lawrence, Jr., Founding Director of the Massey Cancer Center. The planned gifts of the MCV Society members make a significant impact in supporting and improving every part of the MCV Campus. If you would like information about how you can join the MCV Society, please contact Brian Thomas, Interim President, at (804) 828-0067 or bsthomas@vcu.edu.

MCV Foundation Trustees Celebrate 65 Years of Support This past May, MCV Foundation trustees, VCU leaders and special guests gathered at the MCV Foundation Board’s annual dinner at the Country Club of Virginia. The event, held on May 12th, was a tribute to the volunteer and philanthropic leaders of the MCV Campus and sought to remind all present of “Why We Are Here”.

The Michael B. Dowdy Award was presented to Dr. Barbara H. Dunn. Dr. Dunn helped to launch the Clinical Scholars Program in the VCU School of Nursing, and is an advocate for attracting the highest quality of clinical faculty through this program. She is a graduate of the VCU School of Nursing, and taught there for many years before being recognized as one of the 120 Visionary Leaders at the VCU School of Nursing in 2013.

Dr. James H. Revere received this year’s Dr. Eugene P. Trani Award for MCV Campus Leadership. Dr. Revere has served on the MCV Foundation Board since 2008, and served as the president of the MCV Alumni Association from 2009 until 2011. He is a dedicated member of the VCU School of Dentistry, as he has held a variety of positions for nearly 50 years, ranging from acting dean to chief development officer, to dean for admissions, to his current role of Director of Planned Giving.

The Robert W. Irby, M.D. Award for Philanthropic Leadership was presented to the retiring Dean of the VCU School of Pharmacy, Dr. Victor A. Yanchick. Dr. Yanchick led the School of Pharmacy for 18 years before stepping down in July 2014. He worked tirelessly to grow the School’s funding, as well as set an example with his own personal philanthropy to the MCV Campus by sales of his watercolors, which alone have raised over $30,000 in scholarship funds.

MCV Foundation Board Chairman Gail W. Johnson served as emcee for the evening.

1: (left to right) Catherine Irby Snodgrass, wife of Dr. Robert Irby for whom the Irby award is named, Bonnie Williams, Evan Williams, MCV Foundation Trustee John Martin, and Robert Irby enjoy conversation during the cocktail hour.

2: (left to right) Monica Rao, VCU President Dr. Michael Rao, and Dr. C. Kenneth Wright spend time together at the MCV Foundation Annual Dinner.

3: Chairman of the Board, Gail Johnson, newly inducted Lifetime Honorary Trustee Alice Goodwin, and MCV Foundation President Dr. Bill Kotti enjoy the reception.

4: Pam Beckner, Trustee John Beckner, Trustee Lou Brooks, Trustee Becky Perdue, and Alex Hammill enjoy each other’s company at the beginning of the evening.

5: Chairman of the Board Gail Johnson, CEO, VCU Health System and Vice President for Health Sciences Dr. Sheldon Retchin, Trani Award Winner Dr. James Revere, Irby Award Winner Dr. Victor Yanchick, Dowdy Award Winner Dr. Barbara Dunn, and MCV Foundation President Dr. Bill Kotti, celebrate together as the evening comes to a close.

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Event photos: CSI Studios

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

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The Byrd Family Legacy

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Orthopaedic surgery chair celebrates three generations For Drs. Allison D. (M.D.’78) and J. Abbott Byrd III (M.D.’78), the MCV Campus at Virginia Commonwealth University was more than a place to launch their successful careers. For them, it was a place filled with laughter, friends and a family legacy.

Though the two knew each other as classmates, their romance didn’t materialize until Allison, known as Allie, challenged Abbott to a basketball game of “horse” at the campus gym.

While they still disagree on the game’s outcome, the two later married and are now giving back to the school where it all began.

“The Byrd family has a long history with the MCV Campus spanning three generations,” said Jerry Strauss III, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine. “This generous gift ensures that the family’s legacy, and its very special relationship with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will live in perpetuity to the benefit of distinguished faculty.”

Their gift, the Allison D. and J. Abbott Byrd III Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery, will enhance research and academic achievement in specialties of orthopaedic surgery.

“The school gave us both a great experience,” said Abbott Byrd. “Because of that experience and because MCV has been so integral in our lives, we wanted to give back,” said Abbott Byrd, whose father was a member of the School of Medicine’s Class of 1947. His mother is a member of the School of Nursing’s Class of 1948. Two of the couple’s three children, now in

orthopaedic residencies elsewhere, are members of the School of Medicine’s Class of 2013 and a niece is a member of the School of Pharmacy’s Class of 2014.

“The school has certainly played a big part in our family,” he said. “It’s where Allie and I met and where we were provided the tools we needed to start our careers.”

The Byrds are committed to the practice of medicine and believe that teaching and research are the foundation that will lead to improved patient outcomes. It is through this gift that they wish to further this mission of the orthopaedic department at MCV. “Both Allison and Abbott have been an important part of the orthopaedic department,” said Robert S. Adelaar, M.D., professor and John Cardea Chair in the School of Medicine’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Though Abbott practices orthopaedic surgery in Virginia Beach, we’ve been in consultation over the years, and both he and Allison have always been very supportive of our needs. The endowment allows the holder to take time away from a busy practice and devote more time to research and academic excellence. We’re very grateful for the faith and support that the Byrds have given us.”

The couple is happy and proud that the family legacy is continuing through their children’s careers. “We are honored that two have chosen medicine as a career and it is an added bonus that they have chosen orthopaedic surgery as a specialty,” Abbott Byrd said.

Photo left: The Byrd family on the occasion of medical school graduation for the youngest generation in 2013: (left to right) Dr. Abbott Byrd, M ’78, Dr. Allison Byrd, M’78, Dr. William Abbott Byrd, M’13, Dr. Jennifer Marie Byrd, M ’13, Louana Byrd, N ’48, and Dr. John Byrd, Jr., M ’47. Photo right: Drs. Abbott and Allison Byrd meet with VCU School of Medicine Dean Dr. Jerry Strauss, III, M.D., Ph.D. Photo left: Skip Rowland Photo right: Kevin Schindler

Chair Honors Parent Gives Hope for Leukemia Research Behind the quick-witted Tennessee drawl of Judith “Judy” Talley Secor, there is a strong woman with a zest for life and a passion for dogs. Especially schnauzers, like Duchess III, one in a long line of the breed to grace the Secor household.

For years, she and her late husband, Henry, a retired organic chemist at Philip Morris, helped improve the lives of needy four-legged friends through donations and planned gifts. Judy, a retired high school history teacher who taught for 26 years, is an avid golfer and Duplicate Bridge player. Recently, she took stock of her own needs and established the Judith Talley Secor Chair at VCU Massey Cancer Center with a $1 million gift that will be matched by the Glasgow Endowment.

Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2006, Judy considers herself lucky that her condition is stable for the moment. There may come a time, she says, when she’ll need to consider chemotherapy to help keep the cancer at bay. “I’ve supported the Richmond SPCA and the Richmond Animal League and the Chesterfield Humane Society, and I’ll always continue that,” she said. “Then I started thinking, ‘why don’t I give to myself [through this gift] and maybe they’ll find a cure for CLL!’” Judy’s father, a successful Chattanooga real estate developer, had always been concerned about his daughter growing old with no children to care for her later in life. So he made sure to plan for her in his estate.

“My father wanted to be sure I had enough money to go into a nursing home if necessary,” she said. “So he provided for me and I’m grateful. He always said, ‘there’s nothing worse than being old and poor. I’m going to make sure that you’re not poor, there’s nothing I can do about your being old.’”

Taking stock of her finances and her favorite charities, Judy found a way to continue her assistance to dogs and cats as well as to create a chair at Massey in honor of her parents, Flora Hudson and James Pleasant Talley.

“It’s their money!” she laughed.

The gift also pays tribute to Dr. G. Watson James who established the Division of Hematology and Oncology at MCV. “It is an honor for Massey Cancer Center to be the recipient of the profound generosity represented by Mrs. Secor’s gift,” said Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., director of VCU Massey Cancer Center. “The Judith Talley Secor Chair will be an enormous help in continuing to build our team of nationally-renowned experts in hematologic malignancies, in turn advancing our translational research in this area. I have no doubt Mrs. Secor’s gift will be a lasting legacy and an inspiration to others.”

Photo: (left to right) Dr. Ghulam Qureshi, Mary Qureshi, Dr. John Nestler, Chairman, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Steven Grossman, Deputy Director of VCU Massey Cancer Center and Chairman, Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Brian Thomas, Interim President, MCV Foundation, and Judith Talley Secor (seated).

Photo: VCU University Marketing

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

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Wright Professorship in Pulmonary Care

Kenneth Wright recently endowed a professorship in Pulmonary Care to memorialize his wife, Dianne Harris Wright, and to honor the excellent level of care she received from Dr. Alpha “Berry” Fowler and his staff. The Dianne Harris Wright Professorship in Pulmonary Care will serve as a lasting tribute to Dianne’s memory.

Dianne passed away in October 2013 after a 12-year battle with ovarian cancer. Through her estate, Dianne made generous bequests to VCU Massey Cancer Center and the Department of Neurology for Alzhiemer’s Disease research.

Ken Wright wanted to show his appreciation for the compassion, comfort and care that Dr. Fowler and the other doctors and nurses provided Dianne at VCU Medical Center.

Commenting on this gift, Dr. Fowler said, “Ken and Dianne have made a huge difference at VCU and especially on the MCV Campus. The Dianne Harris Wright Professorship in Pulmonary Care will help our Division in many ways. We are very grateful to Ken for making such a wonderful gift in Dianne’s memory.”

Photo: (left to right) Dr. Alpha “Berry” Fowler holds a framed photo of Dianne Harris Wright next to Kenneth Wright. Photo: VCU University Marketing

Discovery Series Raises Awareness and Strengthens Connections

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3 4 1: The panel members at the September Discovery Series event on Neurosciences discuss their individual research.

2: Attendees have a chance to interact with and ask questions of the panelists after the inaugural event in November 2013.

3: Dotty and Bill Healy talk with Dr. Khalid Matin, Medical Director of Community Oncology and Clinical Research Affiliations with VCU Massey Cancer Center, during the event in April.

4: Dr. Vigneshwar Kasirajan (far left) and Dr. George Vetrovec (third from left) discuss the Pauley Heart Center with guests of the November event.

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Discovery photos: Brad Howe

Chronicle of Giving Winter 2014 - 2015

The MCV Foundation hosted its fourth Discovery Series event in Williamsburg on November 6th. More than 130 guests were treated to a panel discussion titled “The Heart of the Matter: VCU Pauley Heart Center Reaches New Heights.”

School of Medicine Dean Jerry Strauss led a conversation on recent developments in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease with six faculty members, including Dr. Antonio Abbate, Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen, Dr. Zachary Gertz, Dr. Vigneshwar Kasirajan, Dr. Jordana Kron, and Dr. George Vetrovec.

The Discovery Series was created last year by the MCV Foundation Board to increase the visibility of the VCU Medical Center by highlighting areas of excellence. The Discovery Series provides guests with immediate access to the exciting work of the VCU Medical Center scholars, researchers, and clinicians who are on the forefront of their fields. Through panel discussions and casual conversations hosted in an intimate setting, guests and medical experts explore the latest advances at VCU Medical Center.

The inaugural Discovery Series program was launched in November 2013 with an overview of the VCU Medical Center.

Last April, the Series featured Massey Cancer Center.

In September, the program highlighted recent advances in the Neurosciences.

The MCV Foundation Board is grateful to the Discovery Series Host Committee who helped plan the events in Williamsburg.

The members of the Host Committee include Julie Baxter and Paul Dresser, Louise and Bob Canfield, Ginny and Charles Crone, Jane and Jim Kaplan, and Judith Forehand Woods.

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In Memoriam Ruth S. Harris

On May 26, 2014, Ruth S. Harris, beloved wife of MCV Foundation Lifetime Honorary Trustee Dr. Louis S.

Harris, passed away at the age of 94. A VCU Edward A. Wayne Medal recipient, Mrs. Harris dedicated her esteemed career to educating those with dyslexia.

Her legacy will remain on the MCV Campus in the form of the Louis and Ruth Harris Professorship in

Pharmacology and Toxicology as well as on the Monroe Sibyl Thalhimer with her husband, the late Charles Thalhimer, and his son and daughter-in-law, MCV Foundation Trustee Harry Thalhimer and Marcia Thalhimer.

Charles G. Thalhimer

Park Campus in both the Ruth Harris Professorship in the School of Education and the Louis S. and Ruth S. Harris Professorship in Biomedical Engineering.

On September 2, 2014, Charles G. Thalhimer passed away at the age of 94. Mr. Thalhimer served on the MCV Foundation Board of Trustees from 1992 to 2004 when he was appointed a Lifetime Honorary Trustee.

Mr. Thalhimer was deeply involved in both campuses

InMemoriam of VCU. He served as Vice Chair for VCU’s $62 million “Making a Difference” Campaign in 1986, as well as honorary chair of the 1992 “Partners for Progress”

Campaign that raised $168 million. For his service to

the university, VCU inducted Mr. Thalhimer into the

VCU Hall of Fame and named him a recipient of the Edward A. Wayne Medal.

The late Ruth Harris and her husband, Lifetime Honorary Trustee Dr. Louis Harris, at an MCV Foundation Annual Dinner.

Both photos this page: CSI Studios

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Photo: Kevin Schindler