Thomas Rosenquist, Ph.D., a developmental biologist who is chairman
and professor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Cell Biology
and Anatomy Department, has been named to the Von Housen Professorship
at UNMC.
Dr. Rosenquist joined UNMC in 1992 after 22 years of prior experience
in academic medicine, including four years at the University of Southern
California School of Medicine and 18 years at the Medical College of Georgia.
Under Dr. Rosenquist’s leadership, the UNMC Cell Biology and Anatomy
Department was honored with the University-wide Departmental Teaching Award
in 1997. The $25,000 award recognized the department for its strong commitment
to the education of students and for its contribution to teaching excellence
in the University of Nebraska System.
The department was recognized for several areas of excellence, including
having a large number of outstanding teaching award recipients; exceptional
performance by students in national standardized examinations; faculty
participation in innovative curricula; and the success of graduates in
the graduate training program.
An outstanding researcher, Dr. Rosenquist attracted national and international
attention in 1998 when he headed a research study which determined that
the key ingredient in non-prescription cough medicine can produce a variety
of birth defects and fetal death in an animal model, thus suggesting that
pregnant women might want to avoid using cough medicine.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive a named professorship, and Dr. Rosenquist
is very deserving of this recognition,” said Harold M. Maurer, M.D., UNMC
chancellor. “He’s a true professional who has made significant contributions
to UNMC’s educational and research endeavors. He’s truly made a significant
impact on society through his important research.”
The professorship was established in 1982 with a $100 gift to the University
of Nebraska Foundation by Ardith Von Housen and her mother, Anna Von Housen.
By making gifts throughout her life and naming the NU Foundation in her
estate plan, Ardith Von Housen was eventually able to reach the $500,000
needed to support an endowed professorship.
Ardith Von Housen died in 1995 at the age of 81. She grew up in Hampton,
Neb. and taught at Tekamah High School prior to joining the Dairy Council
of Omaha and Council Bluffs in 1941. She eventually served as executive
director of the Dairy Council. From 1968 to her retirement in 1978, she
worked as a dietitian for the District 66 schools, where she developed
widely published health education guidelines for elementary school students.
“I deeply appreciate the faith shown by the university administration
and the foundation by appointing me to the Von Housen Professorship,” Dr.
Rosenquist said. “I can assure them that I will do my best to be worthy
of this award. In addition to the high honor, the funds generated by the
endowment will permit me to enlarge the scope of my research activities
and to carry out more innovative experiments that will hopefully lead to
better understanding of the causes of birth defects.
“The VonHousens and other donors are heroes to the research community
at UNMC. We hope their generosity and foresight can be repaid by new knowledge
that will benefit children for generations to come.”
Dr. Rosenquist earned his undergraduate degree from the University of
Dubuque in 1964, his master’s degree in 1967 from New Mexico Highlands
State University, and his doctorate from Louisiana State University in
1969. As a developmental biologist, his research has focused primarily
on arterial problems and neural tube defects.
The University of Nebraska Foundation is a non-profit corporation supplementing
support for students, faculty, facilities and programs at the University
of Nebraska’s four campuses through gifts from alumni, friends, corporations,
and other foundations.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has
established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research
and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than $34 million in
research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually.
In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more
health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.