Distinguished Lectureships & Awards

Harry W. McFadden Jr., MD

The Harry W. McFadden Jr., MD Lectureship was established in 1985 by Drs. David Purtilo and Samuel Cohen to honor his valuable and numerous contributions to pathology, microbiology, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This lectureship was expanded by the Class of 1964 College of Medicine Alumni in 1989 on their 25th reunion as a tribute to his role as an outstanding educator, practitioner, and friend. The first presenter of the lectureship, Dr. Tucker LeBein, had been one of Dr. McFadden’s graduate students. The lectureship has become one of the most notable occasions of the year at UNMC, and has included numerous outstanding lecturers, including three Nobel Prize laureates as well as a Nebraska governor. The lectures were always attended by both Dr. McFadden and his wife, Jo, until their deaths, and frequently also by their son, Dr. Harry E. McFadden and his family, and by their daughter, Mary Jean McFadden. For more information on Dr. McFadden and a complete list of distinguished speakers, please open the McFadden Lecture Series program.

Robert E. Greenfield, MD

The Robert E. Greenfield, MD Lectureship in Carcinogenesis was established in 1985 by Drs. Purtilo and Cohen to honor their mentor. The first Greenfield lecturer was Dr. Takashi Sugimura, who was mentored by Dr. Greenfield while Dr. Sugimura was a fellow at NCI in the 1950s. Dr. Sugimura became the president of the National Cancer Center of Japan in Tokyo. The first 12 presenters of this lectureship had interacted with Dr. Greenfield in some aspect of his career.

For more information on Dr. Greenfield and a complete list of distinguished speakers, please open the Greenfield Lecture Series program.

Jerald R. Schenken, MD

The Jerald R. Schenken, MD, Outstanding Achievement in Pathology and Microbiology Award was established in 2000 as a tribute to his numerous contributions to pathology and laboratory medicine. Dr. Schenken was active in teaching medical students, residents and laboratory scientists in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology and the College of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In addition, it acknowledges Dr. Schenken’s leadership as a trustee of the American Board of Pathology. This annual award recognizes three medical students who have excelled in the second-year pathology curriculum and are academically outstanding. Dr. Schenken’s wife, Charlotte, hosts a dinner in their honor that is attended by Dr. Schenken’s children, John, Elizabeth and Parker, and senior leadership of the department.

This award is not just about the memory of Jerry, it's to help perpetuate the ideas and goals he had for the practice of medicine. Jerry always said there was "no free lunch" and while we are pleased to provide you financial recognition of your success as a medical student, we also believe you will be a future leader. Therefore, you will need to give back to the world for the investments that were made in you. ~ By Mrs. Charlotte Schenken, wife of the late Jerald R. Schenken, MD

Jerry wasn't just an outstanding pathologist and laboratory scientist, he was an exceptional teacher and educator. If he saw a research article or paper that he thought you would be interested in, he would send a copy along with a personal note. And he expected an answer back about what you thought of the article. He also had the ability to remember people's names many years after only a brief interaction. He combined his desire to support quality medicine and his special skill into a successful career as a politician, often working behind the scenes to promote the community but, when needed, he was also willing to stand for public office including as a representative for Congress. We hope you continue the willingness to serve in whatever capacity works best for you. You will always be remembered by us as a Schenken scholar. ~ By Dr. Samuel M. Cohen, pathologist and close friend of the late Dr. Jerald R. Schenken

For more information on Dr. Schenken, please open the Schenken Award program.