Endowed Chairs and Professorships

The Value of an Endowed Chair

A message from Dr. Greg Downey

An endowed chair or professorship is one of the highest honors bestowed on an academic institution, reflecting its reputation and prestige.  Because an endowment provides for an occupant’s salary, benefits and important research support, future changes in funding will not adversely affect crucial work.  Indeed, endowments supply the impetus to strive for unprecedented breakthroughs and discoveries. 

For a philanthropist, endowing a chair or professorship demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of and appreciation for National Jewish Health’s significant mission and accomplishments.  Such an endowment also represents an opportunity to advance the acquisition of knowledge for as long as the institution exists.  The names of donors or their designees remain on the chairs and professorships in perpetuity, providing fitting recognition of great generosity.

As you will see, those physicians and scientists who occupy chairs and professorships are leaders and innovators in their specialties, and are the most capable to pioneer innovative projects that will bring improved health to millions around the world.

Gregory Downey, MD
Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs

The Carole and Albert Angel Family Presidential Chair

Leading National Jewish Health into the 21st Century

This chair, which will be funded by a trust from Carole and Albert Angel, longtime friends of National Jewish Health, provides for the administration of the vital work of this institution. Through their generosity, the Angels ensure that National Jewish Health continues its mission of offering patient care, research, and education to help those who suffer from lung, allergic, and immune diseases.

Michael Salem, MD

Girard and Madeline Beno Chair in Mycobacterial Diseases

Fighting drug-resistant tuberculosis

Since its founding in 1899, National Jewish Health has led the fight against tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases. This chair helps National Jewish Health continue in its role as a leader in research and treatment. In seeking a cure for drug-resistant tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases, Girard and Madeline Beno give hope to millions worldwide.

Michael D. Iseman, MD

Marjorie and Stephen Raphael Chair in Asthma Research

Searching for a cure for asthma

This chair, established by the co-founders of the Fund to Cure Asthma, supports the important asthma research at National Jewish Health. In seeking a cure for asthma, which afflicts millions of children and adults, Stephen and Marjorie Raphael provide the resources for scientists whose lives' work will result in a better life for others.

Chair appointment under consideration

Cetalie and Marcel Weiss Chair in Pulmonary Medicine

Understanding the environmental impact on lung health

Enabling patients to breathe better has long been an important mission of National Jewish Health. With the establishment of this chair in pulmonary medicine, Cetalie and Marcel Weiss provide resources to direct research into environmental factors that affect pulmonary health. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are among those who will benefit from this philanthropy.

Robert J. Mason, MD

Helen Wohlberg and Herman Lambert Chair in Pharmacokinetics

Investigating better drug treatments

Determining the most effective use of pharmaceuticals is one of the keys to restoring patients to good health. This chair, donated in honor of Helen Wohlberg and Herman Lambert, will fund scientific research that will have a lasting and beneficial impact on the lives of those who require drug regimens to treat chronic diseases.

Stanley J. Szefler, MD

Ida and Cecil Green Professor of Cell Biology

Learning the language of cells

An essential feature of the immune system is its ability to distinguish between self and non-self. Failure of this mechanism can result in autoimmunity diseases such as lupus or diabetes. An understanding of the molecular processes that underlie this discrimination may lead to new approaches to therapy and vaccine development. By funding this professorship, Ida & Cecil Green demonstrate their dedication to helping National Jewish Health produce results that add to our store of knowledge and our competence in overcoming disease.

John C. Cambier, PhD

Margaret A. Regan Professor of Pulmonary Inflammation

Improving lung health

Inflammation is an important mechanism used by the body as a defense against infection and other noxious stimuli. As National Jewish Health strives to continue defining the causes of and possible cures for lung diseases, the study of pulmonary inflammation is crucial. By funding this professorship, Margaret A. Regan helps National Jewish Health maintain its leadership in the research and treatment of lung disease.

Peter M. Henson, PhD

The Catherine Kramer Scientist in Pediatric Medicine

Improving children's health

Through the C.L.C. Kramer Foundation, Louis, Clara, and Catherine Kramer, support National Jewish Health in its critical mission to lessen the suffering of sick children around the world. By funding a scientist in pediatric medicine, the Kramer family supports essential work in molecular and cellular biology and promotes continued breakthroughs in childhood diseases.

Donna Bratton, MD

The Catherine Kramer Professor of Clinical Mycobacteriology

Combating a renewed health threat

Tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections have continued as a serious worldwide health threat. Through this position, the C.L.C. Kramer Foundation generously supports National Jewish Health's efforts to combat these diseases. The Kramer family's philanthropy benefits those who come to National Jewish Health seeking expert care and extends to those far beyond its walls.

Leonid B. Heifets, MD

Veda H. and Chauncey H. Ritter Chair in Immunology

Immunology

The human immune system is a complex maze of proteins and processes that can either protect or harm the body. Thanks to the vision and generosity of Veda H. and Chauncey H. Ritter, National Jewish Health scientists can work toward the day when diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and AIDS will one day be conquered.

Rafeul Alam, MD, PhD

Edelstein Family Chair in Pediatric and Clinical Immunology

Finding better treatments for children

Thanks to the vision and generosity of the Edelstein family, National Jewish Health can further expand its research regarding allergies and immune diseases in children.

Donald Y.M. Leung, MD

Edelstein Family Chair in Adult Pulmonary Medicine

Advancing our understanding of lung disease

Thanks to the generous support of the Edelstein Family Foundation, National Jewish Health can continue to conduct groundbreaking research and provide care for patients who suffer from lung disease.

Richard J Martin, MD

Irene J. and Dr. Abraham E. Goldminz Professor of Immunology and Respiratory Medicine

Battling life-threatening illnesses

As medical professionals, Irene J. & Dr. Abraham E. Goldminz formed a unique appreciation of National Jewish Health's preeminence in immunology and respiratory medicine, and maintained a special understanding of the crucial nature of our research and care in these areas. With this gift, they continue their dedication to improving the health of those who suffer from chronic and life-threatening illnesses. This chair is currently under funding and is not yet filled.

Under Funding

Drs. Harold and Mary Zirin Chair in Pulmonary Biology

Investigating lung disease

The continued study of the cells of the lungs and airways and how they interact in health and disease will help contribute to our understanding of asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and other severe lung diseases. The cure for these diseases depends on our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating their behavior.

Greg Downey, MD

Wollowick Family Foundation Chair in COPD Research

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

(COPD/emphysema) takes an enormous physical and emotional toll on individuals and their families, and results in high economic costs to families, employers and society. COPD can be effectively managed but, currently, it cannot be cured. With their generous support of this endowed chair, the Wollowick Family Foundation contributes significantly to the development of a better understanding of COPD and new strategies for preventing and treating it.

Under Funding