ROB CARLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
At Convocation, Chancellor Collins outlines vision for new era
D
ays after announcing a $175 million gift from The Morningside Foundation, Chancellor Michael F. Collins gave his annual Convocation address, focusing on the “transformational moment” for the institution and, especially, its three graduate schools, renamed as a consequence of the gift. He called for collective efforts to shape the future of UMass Chan Medical School. The centerpiece of Chancellor Collins’ address was a vision for a bold new era. “How wonderful it is, as we begin the second 50 years of the Medical School’s journey, that we are afforded this opportunity, by virtue of this gift from The Morningside Foundation, to transform our institution and to take our rightful place among the finest institutions in the world that are committed to health care education, research and service to others,” Collins said. “Through the generosity of others, we shall 2 | WINTER 2022
now be poised to attract, educate and mentor outstanding students; recruit and retain committed faculty; develop innovative and cuttingedge programs; and encourage all our students, faculty and staff to redouble our commitment to serve others.” Collins recalled being inspired in 2016 by Gerald Chan’s speech, “The Research University in Today’s Society,” which Chan had presented earlier that year at University College, London. Chan made the case that great universities become so when they can benefit from publicprivate partnerships. The unrestricted gift from The Morningside Foundation nearly doubles the Medical School’s endowment. (Read more about the transformational gift on page 14.) At Convocation, four faculty members were honored with Chancellor’s Medals, including a posthumous Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Service to the
late Robert W. Finberg, MD, chair emeritus and distinguished professor of medicine, who died unexpectedly on Aug. 30. Dr. Finberg’s wife of 50 years, Joyce D. Fingeroth, MD, professor of medicine, accepted the medal on his behalf. “Each year, one individual in our community is recognized for a career-long dedication to our institution and their profession,” said Collins, introducing the Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Service. “The medal for distinguished service recalls extraordinary commitment; it relates sincere appreciation for outstanding contributions; and it respects one among us who is singular in dedication to our medical school.” Collins continued: “An outstanding educator, an accomplished investigator and a committed clinician defines the essence of a distinguished career in academic medicine. Throughout our history and recently, challenged by the
