Three faculty from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine were among the 49 honored at Michigan State University’s 2024 Investiture for Endowed Faculty on March 4. Maksymilian Chruszcz, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Anne McLaren Dorrance, PhD., chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, were honored as the Walter F. Patenge Chairs of Osteopathic Medicine. Karl Seydel, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, was honored as the inaugural Daniel C. and Marsha J. Edson Endowed Professor of Global Health in Honor of Terrie Taylor, D.O.
“The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is extremely grateful to our generous supporters who have created these named, endowed professorships, and incredibly proud of our accomplished faculty members who not only embody the ideas behind these positions, but live them throughout their work,” stated Joyce 
On his first official day as university president, Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., addressed honorees and attendees at the investiture ceremony, where he spoke about the impact of philanthropy, specifically when channeled through higher education.
“Such investments in the university’s intellectual horsepower drive the university forward as we recruit and retain the brightest and most talented faculty in the world,” President Guskiewicz said.
Walter F. Patenge Chair of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Dorrance, who was able to attend the event in-person, sat in the front row on stage during the ceremony, and eventually made her way across the stage to accept her medal.
“I was completely surprised and delighted to be awarded the Patenge Endowed Professorship,” Dr. Dorrance shared ahead of the ceremony. “It means a lot to have my research recognized by a college that values research as much as (the College of Osteopathic Medicine) does. This honor will allow me to investigate new avenues for my research and to train more students in the lab.”
The award is named after Walter F. Patenge, who was the first president of the Michigan Osteopathic Medicine Advisory Board. The Patenge Chair is committed to the dictates of osteopathic medicine and demonstrates exceptional concern for, study of, and skill in health, osteopathic medical education, research and/or public welfare.
Educational, research, and/or service work conducted by the Patenge Chair contributes to new knowledge in:
- Distinctive aspects of osteopathic medicine,
- Health care policies and initiatives to support health care delivery systems that recognize and advance the role of osteopathic medicine in health care, and/or
- Innovative designs and methods in osteopathic medical education and/or medical education administration.
Funds generated from the endowment shall also, at the discretion of the dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, support research expenses related to the activity of the chair.
Daniel C. and Marsha J. Edson Endowed Professorship of Global Health in Honor of Terrie Taylor, D.O.
“I am extremely thankful to the Edson’s for their generosity in establishing this professorship. I have been honored to be involved with the remarkable MSU-led scientific program, initially established by Dr. Taylor, in Malawi,” Dr. Seydel said in advance of the investiture. “This award will ensure that these endeavors will continue for years to come and continue to build scientific knowledge to combat malaria. I look forward to continuing this research and will be able to do so more capably with the aid of this Professorship.”
Dr. Taylor stated in her nomination letter for Dr. Seydel, “Dr. Seydel’s sustained and imaginative effort in Malawi (embodies) the essence of this professorship.” Dr. Seydel, who established the Molecular and Genomics Core Laboratory in the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, spends most of his time in Malawi, where he cares for children in comas.
The Edson’s $1 million gift established the professorship, which honors Dr. Taylor’s internationally recognized work to combat malaria. These funds support the work of the chosen faculty member and assist with costs not covered by grants.
By E. LaClear