Masonic Cancer Center Director Douglas Yee, M.D.

More than 150 Masonic Cancer Center faculty and staff attended the State of the Masonic Cancer Center presentation given by Director Douglas Yee, M.D., on January 21, 2009 in the Masonic Cancer Research Building.

Yee called 2008 "a milestone year" for the Masonic Cancer Center. "We've seen growth in faculty, research funding, and clinical investigation." Yee highlighted the renewal of the Masonic Cancer Center's support grant from the National Cancer Institute as well as substantial financial support from the state and from charitable organizations, including a historic $65 million gift from Minnesota Masonic Charities.

Yee recognized new faculty recruitments and achievements by faculty ranging from junior to emeritus. He also provided an overview of new buildings planned for cancer research and treatment, and scientific initiatives to look forward to in 2009.

"The strength of the Masonic Cancer Center is really through our members, faculty, and staff, and that's why we are what we are, and that's why we will continue to excel," Yee said.

[VIEW A RECORDING of Dr. Yee's State of the Masonic Cancer Center presentation.]

An introduction to Minnesota Masons

Masons representing Minnesota Masonic Charities were invited to the State of the Masonic Cancer Center speech to give a presentation about the organization that has supported cancer research and treatment at the University for over 50 years, culminating in the $65 million donation announced in 2008.

Masons Steve Johnson (left) and Neil Neddermeyer

Mason Steve Johnson, vice president of the Masonic Cancer Center Fund and director of media production for Minnesota Medical Foundation, introduced Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota Neil Neddermeyer. Neddermeyer presented facts and dispelled myths about the Masons' history and the organization's membership today, which numbers 17,000 in Minnesota.

Years of service, retirements recognized

The State of the Cancer Center presentation concluded with Yee delivering the following Years of Service Awards to Masonic Cancer Center faculty and staff. Retirements were also announced:

• 5 Years: Anne-Michelle Bakritzes, Deborah Biegert, Anthony Hooten, Yasir Ibrahim, Rachel Loeber, Mesfin Negia, Leann Oseth, Judy Witte, Siyi Zhang, Yan Zhang
• 10 Years: Cathy Carlson, Guang Cheng, Levi Downs, Cuong Nguyen, Bernardo Prigge, Ashley Schempp, Kevin Silverstein, Nicole Thomson
• 15 Years: Paul Champoux, Kate Cole, Shaomei Han
• 20 Years: Jeffrey Miller
• 25 Years: Bruce Lindgren, Mary Sumpmann
• 30 Years: Chap Le, Philip McGlave, Daniel Weisdorf
• Retiring in 2009: Donna Mattson, Robert Kovarik, Linda Kruse, Kate Cole, Laurie Latimer