Cancer Center Founding Director Emeritus John Kersey, M.D.

(June 6, 2007) The Masonic Cancer Center has announced that it is establishing the John H. Kersey Chair in Cancer Leadership.

This endowed chair honors John Kersey, M.D., the Masonic Cancer Center's Founding Director Emeritus, for his remarkable accomplishments in cancer research, patient care, and leadership. The chair also celebrates Kersey's visionary leadership in making the Masonic Cancer Center a reality and in leading the effort to obtain its designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center from the National Cancer Institute.

The chair will be held by the Masonic Cancer Center director and will be a significant source of funding to maintain the Masonic Cancer Center's leading work in research and patient care; recruit and retain leaders in the field of cancer research; and enhance the teaching, clinical work, and research of the chairholder.

Funds are currently being raised for the chair, and the Masonic Cancer Center is well over halfway towards the fundraising goal of $2.5 million. Recognizing the importance of the Masonic Cancer Center and Kersey's career, University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks has committed a dollar-for-dollar match from University funds to fully fund this chair at $5 million.

Contact Cathy Spicola, Cancer Center Development Officer, at 612-625-5192 or c.spicola@mmf.umn.edu for more information.