Private Support and Endowment

The University of Kansas School of Medicine depends on private gifts and bequests for many of its activities and functions. Grants from national foundations and agencies of the federal government are supplemented by gifts from individuals, often donated as memorials to or in honor of friends and relatives. The Kansas University Endowment Association maintains all funds separately, and many bear the names of the donors or of the persons honored or memorialized. Donations to the Endowment Association are used solely for the purposes designated by the donor without deductions for administrative costs or overhead. Endowment funds finance student loans, lectureships, scholarships, professorships, fellowships, and acquisitions for the Medical Center libraries. They also are used for general medical research and for special research in such fields as cancer, heart disease, and problems of aging. Both loan funds and scholarship funds benefit medical students. Funds received for scholarships are invested so that the income provides scholarships indefinitely. Both long-term and short-term loans are available. Long-term loans become payable one year after graduation. Short-term loans become payable within 90 days of issue. A complete list of endowment scholarships is available from the Office of Student Affairs or online at http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/osa/scholarships-loans-and-contests.html.

Distinctions and Awards

The Academic Achievement Award is given in recognition of senior graduates that have completed their education with a 4.0 GPA.

The Academic Excellence Award is given to a senior student in recognition of outstanding academic performance.

The Advocacy Award - Kansas City is presented to a graduating student in recognition of high standards of character, conduct, and integrity and the promotion of those qualities in colleagues.

The Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society promotes scholarship and research in medical school, encourages high standards of character and conduct, and recognizes high attainment in medical science, medical practice, or related fields. Members of AOA elect new members each year as well as granting honorary memberships to those gaining recognition in fields related to medicine. Elected medical students from the Kansas Alpha Chapter, established in 1930, give promise of professional leadership and fulfillment of these ideals.

The Anesthesiology Academic Excellence Award is presented to a senior student for academic and clinical excellence in anesthesiology.

The Karl E. Becker Jr., M.D., Award is presented to a senior student from the Wichita campus for outstanding performance as a student clinician in anesthesiology. Dr. Becker was professor and chair of the Department of Anesthesiology from 1987 to 1998. This award honors his excellent teaching skills and dedication to medical education.

The Distinguished George E. "Ned" Burket, M.D., Award is presented to a senior medical student from the Wichita campus for excellence as a fourth-year student in family medicine. Dr. Burket practiced in Kingman, Kansas, for 32 years. As president of the American Academy of General Practice in 1968, he provided pivotal support in the transition of general practice to family practice. Dr. Burket was a founding member and president of the American Board of Family Practice and chair of the Residency Review Committee for Family Practice. For his distinguished efforts, he was elected to the Institutes of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences in 1975.

The LeRoy A. Calkins Award is presented to a senior student for academic and clinical excellence in obstetrics and gynecology. The award is in memory of Dr. Calkins, who was chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 30 years, retiring in 1959. Dr. Calkins came to KU in 1929 from the University of Virginia, where he was department chair. He received his education and training, both M.D. and Ph.D., at the University of Minnesota. He was an outstanding teacher, a recipient of many national awards, and a leader in postgraduate and resident education. He founded many societies and groups that sought to reduce maternal-fetal mortality and morbidity in Kansas.

The Tom D.Y. Chin Preventive Medicine Excellence Award to a graduating senior who has excelled in public health or preventive medicine during their medical education in honor of Tom D.Y. Chin, M.D. Professor Emeritus Chin was Chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine from 1975 through 1989. He has a national and international reputation in infectious disease epidemiology and cancer epidemiology and has 30 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Public Health Service. He is an outstanding teacher, clinician, and leader in public health research both nationally and internationally. This award honors an individual who has some of the personal attributes and characteristics that illuminated Dr. Chin's own distinguished career.

The Coghill Award for Original Research is presented to a graduating medical student who has produced research of high quality in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology as well as performed in a superior manner in coursework in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.

The P.G. Czarlinsky Family Award (in memory of Charley Czarlinsky, M.D.) is presented to a senior student from the Wichita campus for outstanding performance as a student clinician. The award recognizes integral development of superior skills in patient care and management, as well as scholarly understanding and prudent application of the principles of clinical science. It also recognizes a significant contribution to the overall environment of health care and patient education.

The Damjanov Excellence in Pathology Award is given in recognition of a graduating senior for their dedication to the study of pathology as a basic science discipline and the foundation of clinical medicine.

The Daniel C. Darrow Certificate and Award are presented to a member of the graduating class who has distinguished himself or herself in pediatrics. Dr. Darrow was a professor of pediatrics at KU from 1954 until his retirement in 1962. The principles elucidated in his studies of fluid and electrolytes serve as a basis for our current management of children with body fluid disturbance. For these and many other scientific contributions, he was world famous. The members of the Department of Pediatrics give the certificate and award to an individual they believe has some of the personal attributes and characteristics that illuminated Dr. Darrow's distinguished career.

The Mahlon H. Delp Award - Kansas City is presented in memory of Dr. Delp, Professor Emeritus of Medicine, to a senior student in internal medicine who best demonstrates integrity, compassion, and dedication to the care of patients as individuals.

The Mahlon H. Delp Award - Wichita is presented in memory of Dr. Delp, Professor Emeritus of Medicine, to a senior student in internal medicine who best demonstrates the qualities of integrity, compassion, and dedication to the care of patients as individuals.

The Louise deSchweinitz Award is presented in memory of Dr. deSchweinitz to recognize the most outstanding student performance on the clinical rotation in pediatrics.

The Emergency Medicine Award is presented to a senior student for demonstrated clinical and academic excellence in emergency medicine. It is sponsored by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

The Endocrine Society's Medical Student Achievement Award is presented to a senior medical student who has shown exceptional ability and interest in endocrinology. It encourages outstanding students to pursue careers in endocrinology and related fields of medicine and basic science.

James G. Price, MD, Award for Excellence in Family Medicine is presented to a graduating senior who excelled in the study of Family Medicine in memory of Dr. Price who left rural practice in Colorado to become the Chair of Family Medicine at the University of Kansas.  He finished his career at KU as the Dean of the School of Medicine.  During his illustrious career Dr. Price served as President of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Board of Family Practice.  He was a member of the National Institute of Medicine and was selected as KU Honorary Alumnus in 2008.  Dr. Price was an excellent teacher, valued mentor, skilled clinician, and trusted colleague.  He was an iconic figure in the field of medicine and the consummate family physician.

The Family Medicine Award is given to a graduating medical student on the Salina campus who performed exceptionally well on the required family medicine clerkship, has consistently displayed compassion, professionalism and a relentless quest for knowledge in other clerkships, and desires to pursue a career in family medicine.

The George J. Farha Award for Excellence in Surgery is presented to a student from the Wichita campus for excellence during the surgical clerkship. The award is given to a student who displays knowledge of surgery as well as honesty, integrity, and compassion in the care of patients. The funds for this award were collected by Dr. Farha's former residents to honor their teacher. 

John D. Foret Urology Award is presented to an outstanding graduating student who has chosen to pursue a career in urologic surgery in recognition of their exemplary clinical and or research performance.  The award is named in honor of Dr. John D. Foret, a native of San Diego, California, and a graduate of the University of Chicago School of Medicine. Dr. Foret came to the University of Kansas in 1953 to begin his postgraduate medical education. After completing his urology residency in 1958, Dr. Foret was appointed to the University of Kansas School of Medicine Faculty. He spent his entire career at KU, and was recognized as an outstanding clinician and educator. In 1993, Dr. Foret retired and was named Professor Emeritus of Surgery(Urology).

The Matthew Freeman Award in Social Justice is presented to a graduating medical student who has demonstrated how a commitment to social justice and equity can be combined with medicine.

Janet M. Glasgow-Rubin Achievement Citations are presented to female medical students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their class.

The Janet M. Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation is presented to a female medical student who stands first in her graduating class. Sponsored by the American Medical Women's Association, this award was established by Dr. Maude Glasgow in honor of her sister, Janet M. Glasgow. Dr. Maude Glasgow was a pioneer in preventive medicine and public health. She received her degree in 1901 from Cornell University Medical College and went on to earn her degree in public health from New York University and Bellevue Medical College. Janet M. Glasgow unselfishly gave of her time and resources to see that her sister, Maude Glasgow, completed her medical education.

The Donald W. Goodwin, M.D., Award is presented to the senior student who is entering residency in psychiatry and is perceived by the faculty to be most likely to succeed in the profession. Dr. Goodwin was Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center from 1976 to 1991. Later he was University Distinguished Professor and Professor Emeritus. Dr. Goodwin embodied the inquisitive nature required of a modern academic psychiatrist who questions traditional approaches and savors empirical developments. The philosophy influenced his work in psychiatric diagnosis, alcoholism, and phobias. Dr. Goodwin's work has a lasting influence on the field and the character of psychiatry at KU Medical Center.

The Kyle Lee Gratny Memorial Award is presented in memory of Kyle Lee Gratny to a graduating medical student for distinguished performance in the neonatology division, Department of Pediatrics.

The Don Carlos Guffey Award is presented to a senior student who has demonstrated a keen interest in the history or philosophy of medicine by writing an outstanding paper in one of those disciplines. The award honors Don Guffey, M.D., the first chair of the Department of Obstetrics at KU Medical Center, who had a long-standing interest in the history of medicine.

The Drs. Richard and Diana Guthrie Excellence in Pediatrics Award is presented to a graduating senior from the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita campus for superior academic and clinical performance in Pediatrics. The recipient showed excellence in academics, ethics, as well as compassion during their pediatrics rotations. Dr. Richard Guthrie was the founding chairman of Pediatrics on the Wichita campus, and he and his wife continue to be instrumental in the education of our students, as well as nationally known members of the medical community.

The Russell F. Holcomb Award is presented for outstanding performance as a student in obstetrics and gynecology at KU Medical Center in memory of Dr. Holcomb, who was a resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at KUMC. Dr. Holcomb served a one-year rotating internship from July 1, 1961, to June 30, 1962. He interrupted his medical career to serve three years as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy with a tour in South Vietnam. He returned to KU Medical Center on July 1, 1965, to complete his three years of residency, where he earned the respect of his peers and faculty of the department. The 1969 graduating class gave Dr. Holcomb the Resident Teaching Award. That class later initiated this award in his memory. Dr. Holcomb served as a chief resident his last year of residency plus serving a clinical fellowship with the American Cancer Society in this same year. Upon completion of his residency, he practiced in the San Diego, California, area. Dr. Holcomb died in an automobile accident in Mexico, along with his wife and two sons, in 1973.

The Janney Family Award is given to award a 4th year medical student who excels in physical diagnosis at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita.

The Janney Family Award in Physical Diagnosis is given to a fourth-year medical student who excels in physical diagnosis at the Salina campus of the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

The Norge W. Jerome Preventive Medicine Excellence Award is presented to an outstanding senior medical student who has excelled in public health or preventive medicine for minority populations during his or her medical education in honor of Norge W. Jerome, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Department of Preventive Medicine. She conducted her first pioneering research more than 30 years ago, combining the fields of human nutrition and anthropology. This innovative approach launched the discipline of nutritional anthropology. Dr. Jerome has a strong record of public service and has been active in community development for close to 50 years, combining science with compassion to address the food, nutrition and health concerns of women, families, and communities in the United States and around the world. She serves as an inspiration to future generations of students.

The KAFP-Hostetter Award honors fourth year medical students who have promoted the values of Family Medicine during their medical school tenure.

The Gerald R. Kerby, M.D. Award is given to a senior student in internal medicine who has excelled in the knowledge, science, and practice of internal medicine, in memory of Gerald R. “Jerry” Kerby, M.D., professor of medicine.

The Paul C. Laybourne, M.D., Award is presented to the senior student who demonstrated the highest academic performance in the required psychiatry clerkship. Dr. Laybourne served the University of Kansas School of Medicine for more than 30 years. He was the founding director of the division of child psychiatry and served in that capacity until he retired. He was an important force in the evolution of child psychiatry in Kansas. An important early contribution was his pioneering work on the value of brief diagnostic and therapeutic general pediatric hospital evaluation for children with possible underlying emotional disturbance and overt physical symptoms. This approach helped demonstrate the critical value of integrating psychiatric evolution and management with the other aspects of general pediatric medical care.

The LMMSA Award is presented to a graduating student who has been significantly involved in the Latino Minority Medical Student Association's Kansas Chapter and the greater Kansas City hispanic community.

The Loveland Scholar Fund is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates professionalism through commitment to the mastery of the knowledge needed to provide excellent medical care to patients and an appreciation of the need to contribute to the future of their profession through teaching and mentoring. The selected graduate has also demonstrated an understanding of the value of leadership and being a good citizen in their community. The award is a memorial to Dr. G. Charles "Chuck" Loveland who graduated from the School of Medicine in 1973.

The Norman L. Martin Award is presented to a senior student who has chosen radiology as a career for excellence in diagnostic radiology.

The Dr. Ronald L. Martin Clerkship Award is given to a senior medical student for outstanding interest and performance in the field of psychiatric medicine during the basic clerkship.

The Dr. Ronald L. Martin Elective Award is given to a senior medical student for outstanding performance in a psychiatry elective.

The MaryAnn McMullan Memorial Award is presented to a graduating medical student who best demonstrates the qualities of integrity, compassion and dedication to the care of the dying patient in memory of MaryAnn McMullan. Presented by the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine.

Merck Manual Awards are presented to seniors who have demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement.

The Dr. Herbert C. Miller Award is presented to a senior medical student in recognition of distinguished performance in research in the Department of Pediatrics.

The Roscoe Falls Morton, M.D., F.A.C.P., Memorial Fund Award (sponsored by the Roscoe Morton family, Arkansas City, Kansas) is presented to a graduating senior from the UKSM - Wichita campus for superior academic and clinical performance in internal medicine. The award recognizes the recipient's deep commitment to continued study of the principles of clinical science and special interest in internal medicine as a continued study and career.

The OCED Personal Perseverance Award is given to a senior student for their ability to overcome obstacles and persevere.

The Thomas G. Orr Sr. Award is presented to the outstanding senior medical student in surgery in memory of Dr. Orr, chair of the Department of Surgery for 25 years. Dr. Orr joined the staff of the KU medical school in 1915 from Johns Hopkins and achieved national recognition as an officer in professional societies, author, teacher, and recipient of honorary Doctor of Science degrees and numerous other honors. His bibliography contained 231 published articles and two textbooks, evidence of his interest in the investigation of clinical problems, his contributions to research, and his influence on the future study of surgery.

The Conrad Osborne, M.D., Family Medicine Award is presented to a senior medical student from the Wichita campus for excellence as a third-year student in family medicine. This award honors Dr. Osborne, a graduate of the KU School of Medicine. Dr. Osborne was in the first group of family practice residents in the United States, graduating from the Wesley Family Practice Residency Program in 1970. Dr. Osborne embodied the principles of family practice, serving as a caring physician, talented teacher, and trusted mentor and friend to a generation of family physicians until his untimely death from lymphoma in 1993.

The Outstanding Student in Otolaryngology Award is presented to a senior student who exhibits not only an interest, but excellence, in clinical care, academic medicine and research, related to the field of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

The Department of Ophthalmology Medical Student Award is presented to a senior student who demonstrates the most outstanding performance in the clinic, research and/or humanitarian arenas related to Ophthalmic care.

The Mary Packwood Memorial Award is presented to a graduating medical student who best demonstrates the qualities of integrity, compassion and dedication to the care of the older adult in memory of Mary Packwood. Presented by the Landon Center on Aging.

The Perseverance Award is given to recognize and honor triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

The Pride in the Profession Award is presented to a senior medical student who most appropriately characterizes the qualities of professionalism in medicine envisioned by Dean Deborah Powell, M.D., during her tenure at KUMC. The Pride in the Profession Award was established by Dr. Donald Hagen in honor of Dean Powell, who served as Executive Dean of the School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs from 1997 to 2002. During her tenure, Dean Powell instituted programs of professionalism for students and faculty. She initiated the White Coat Ceremony to symbolize the students' entry into the medical profession. Dean Powell supported the establishment of the Academic Societies as part of her vision of the mentoring of students by practicing physicians. She continues to work with students and serves as an inspiration to future generations of students.

The Prakash Raghavan Clinical Student Award is presented to a senior from the Wichita campus in recognition of outstanding performance in clinical rotations.

The Daniel K. Roberts Medical Student Award for Excellence in Women's Health Care is presented to a medical student from the Wichita campus who exhibits excellence in clinical practice, education, and research in obstetrics and gynecology.

The Robert H. Robinson, M.D., Award is presented to a graduating student from the Wichita campus for superior academic and clinical performance in anesthesiology. Dr. Robinson was a long-time supporter of teaching medical students and residents in a clinical setting and is a former professor and the first chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the KU School of Medicine - Wichita. This award honors the recipient's special interest in anesthesiology.

The  Rural Medicine Award is given to a graduating medical student on the Salina campus who has displayed a dedication to rural medicine, especially in Kansas. The honored student demonstrated an interest in the healthcare needs of rural Kansas, expressed a desire to eventually practice in rural Kansas, and has been actively involved in the area of rural medicine through participation in the Rural Medicine Interest Group and the summer Rural Primary Care Practice and Research Program and working with rural physicians during clinical clerkships.

The Willard J. Smith, M.D., Award for Academic Achievement is presented to a graduating senior from the Wichita campus for superior academic performance. In recognition of Dr. Smith's contributions to the development of the clinical campus at UKSM - Wichita, the award is given to a student whose academic performance reflects a dedicated commitment to the scholarly acquisition and effective application of knowledge.

The Helmuth Sprinz Award is presented to a senior medical student whose academic achievements epitomize the spirit of Dr. Helmuth Sprinz. Dr. Sprinz was a distinguished faculty member of the KU School of Medicine from 1976 until his death in 1990. He was tireless in his effort on behalf of students, house staff, and faculty. He was particularly fond of working with, helping, and supporting students who were willing to expend extra effort to achieve their goals. Before joining the KU faculty, Dr. Sprinz enjoyed a distinguished career as a research pathologist and was Chief of Experimental Pathology at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

The Daniel Joseph Stechschulte, Sr. Award is given to a senior student in internal medicine who has shown diligence, dedication and a commitment to improve the health of Kansans, in memory of Dr. Daniel Joseph Stechschulte, Sr., professor of medicine.

The Student National Medical Association Award is given to a graduating student in recognition of outstanding community service, academic achievement and commitment to enhance diversity in the field of medicine.

The Robert W. Weber, M.D. and Patricia Ann Weber Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Professionalism is given to a graduating medical student on the Salina campus who displayed outstanding scholarship and professionalism during their four years on the Salina campus.

The W. Clarke Wescoe Award is presented to a senior student in recognition of outstanding achievement and the pursuit of excellence in the study of pharmacology and therapeutics. W. Clarke Wescoe, M.D., was a former chair and professor of pharmacology, former dean of the School of Medicine, former KU Chancellor, and former Chairman of the Board of Sterling Drug, Inc.

The Edward V. Williams Award is presented to a minority medical student who best reflects the integrity, compassion, and commitment to patient care exemplified by Edward V. Williams, M.D. Dr. Williams was the first African American to receive a medical degree from KU. He serves as an inspiration to future generations of students and countless others to achieve beyond expectations.

The Dewey K. Ziegler Neurology Award is given to an outstanding senior medical student pursuing a career in neurology. Dr. Ziegler was an outstanding teacher, clinician and leader. He joined the Department of Neurology in 1958, served as chair from 1966 through 1984, and served the Department of Neurology until his death in 2012. This award serves to honor Dr. Ziegler’s 50+ years of contributions to neurology and the University of Kansas Medical Center.