DeBaun named Ferring Family Chair in Pediatric Cancer and Related Disorders

Michael R. DeBaun, M.D., has been named the Ferring Family Chair in Pediatric Cancer and Related Disorders at the School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The endowed chair was established by John and Alison Ferring of St. Louis through the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Two share 2008 Spector Prize

Each year, the Department of Biology awards a prize in memory of Marion Smith Spector, a 1938 WUSTL graduate. This year, the Spector Prize was shared by two recipients, Jason Metcalf and Aashish Manglik.

Olin helps prepare the next generation of metals industry leaders

The first participants enrolled in the Strategic Metals Management Program — an Olin custom executive program designed to train the next generation of metals industry leaders — graduated June 20 in ceremonies at the Knight Center for Executive Education.

Ribs lost, careers saved: WUSM surgeon gets athletes back on the field

Colorado Rockies All-Star pitcher Aaron Cook always has a spare rib for good luck. It’s not part of his pregame meal. The rib came out of his own body and sits in his locker. Cook suffered from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a condition in which the space between the collarbone and the uppermost rib gets cramped, pinching nerves, veins or arteries. Rather than cut his career short, he turned to WUSM surgeon Robert Thompson, one of the few doctors in the country using a surgical procedure that gets athletes back on the field.

WUSTL to host 2008 VP debate, Oct. 2

Calling it “one of the great traditions of Washington University,” Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton announced during a news conference Nov. 19 that the University will host the 2008 vice presidential debate, scheduled for 8 p.m. CDT on Oct. 2. Video available.