Endowed positions are among the highest honors faculty receive, an acknowledgement of the esteem in which the institution and academic peers hold them. Thomas Jefferson University currently has 124 endowed positions. An investiture ceremony officially bestows the named position, honoring the recipient as well as the benefactor whose generosity makes the appointment possible.
The University recently held five investitures celebrating new endowed positions.
In October 2024, alumnus Gregary D. Marhefka, MD ’98, director of Jefferson’s medical cardiovascular ICU, was named the Howard H. Weitz, MD, MACP, FRCP (London), FACC Professor of Cardiology. Marhefka’s clinical work focuses on critically ill heart patients and mirrors this work with students, residents, and fellows in our Sidney Kimmel Medical College. During his 50 years at Jefferson, Weitz has had many roles, including director of the Division of Cardiology and the Jefferson Heart Institute, vice chair and Master Clinician of the Department of Medicine, and senior associate dean of the medical college, and he is regarded regionally, nationally, and internationally as an outstanding and innovative clinician and educator.
In March, Ethan J. Halpern, MD, professor of Radiology, Urology, and Medicine, and vice chair of research in the Department of Radiology, was named the Sandeep P. Deshmukh, MD, Professor of Radiology. During the course of his career, Halpern’s impact on education through teaching and mentoring has been substantial, and his prolific research accomplishments have led to advancements in the fields of prostate and cardiac imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Sandeep P. Deshmukh was a beloved leader, clinician, teacher, and mentor in Jefferson’s Department of Radiology for 15 years, and he was deeply committed to training the next generation of radiologists and was a mentor and educator to Jefferson medical students, residents, and fellows throughout his time at Jefferson.
In April, Robert C. Sergott, MD, founder and executive director of the William H. Annesley, Jr. MD ’48 EyeBrain Center of the Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, was named the Margaret and Richard Hayne Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology.
Sergott’s research interests include optic neuropathies and retinopathies caused by immunological, ischemic, genetic, and degenerative diseases. He is currently involved in multiple clinical trials and grants on the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. William H. Annesley, Jr. MD ’48 was a pioneer in ophthalmology, pushing the boundaries of the field all his life to provide the latest and best therapies for his patients. His legacy is carried on through his family, including Margaret and Richard Hayne. Margaret is the co-president and chief creative officer at URBN, and Richard is the CEO and chairman of the board of directors of Urban Outfitters.
In May, F. Michael Angelo, university archivist and head of Historic Collections and teaching associate, was named the Robert M. Stein, MD ’68, FACC, FAHA, Archivist. In this position, he prepares historical exhibits; creates the content on the University Archives website; gives tours and lectures; runs educational programs; and manages the efforts to acquire, preserve, and make available for research official University records, personal papers, artifacts, and other materials of enduring historical value to Jefferson. Robert M. Stein, MD ’68, in addition to being a board-certified cardiologist for more than 40 years, is an advocate for the preservation of art and history. Stein remains active in the community, currently serving as a docent at the San Diego Museum of Art and docent and former director at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
In August, alumna Lara Carson Weinstein, MD ’95, co-director of the Center for Supportive Healthcare, was named the Stephen and Sandra Sheller Distinguished Professor of Supportive Healthcare. Weinstein’s work focuses on driving fundamental change in how our health systems, health professionals, and learners support the health and wellness of people from marginalized populations. Stephen and Sandra Sheller are longtime supporters of the Philadelphia community, and their leadership and philanthropy within business, healthcare, education, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy has provided a platform for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
