NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation Hosts Investiture Ceremony for Newly Endowed Chair

At NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) and other academic medical institutions, some highly esteemed physicians enjoy the distinct privilege and honor of holding endowed chairs, recognizing the excellence they demonstrate in clinical care, research and medical education. On Tuesday, November 12, NorthShore Foundation hosted an investiture ceremony to welcome Glenn S. Murphy, MD, to this exclusive group. More than 170 donors, physicians, care providers and administrative leaders gathered at NorthShore Evanston Hospital to honor and celebrate the creation of the Jeffery S. Vender, MD, Chair of Anesthesiology Research and Education, and the investiture of Dr. Murphy as the inaugural chairholder.

“Investiture ceremonies offer a unique opportunity to celebrate that which helps to make NorthShore great – the simultaneous compilation of clinical excellence, academic achievement and generous philanthropic support,” said Mark R. Neaman, President and CEO of NorthShore University HealthSystem. “We do so in the time-honored tradition of bestowing named academic chairs to deserving physician-scientists. Tonight we are deeply privileged to recognize two such individuals –Dr. Glenn Murphy, the first chairholder for the Jeffery S. Vender, MD, Chair of Anesthesiology Research and Education, and Dr. Jeffery Vender, for whom this newly created chair is named in honor.”

Dr. Murphy joined NorthShore in 1998 as the Director of the Cardiac Anesthesia Program, the Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Service, and Anesthesia Clinical Research. He is active in the education and mentorship of the next generation of physicians, serving as a Clinical Professor in the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine’s Anesthesiology Department and the Director of NorthShore’s Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program. Outside of his work with NorthShore, Dr. Murphy is a member of the Association of University Anesthesiologists, the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, the Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists’ Reference Committee, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Echocardiography. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Murphy has received many accolades, including the Charles S. Neer Award, the Junior Faculty Development Mentorship Award by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and many more.  

The creation of the endowed chair in Dr. Vender’s name was made by possible by a group of 130 individual donors. This incredibly generous group was represented at the investiture ceremony by Mr. Bill Ross and Mr. Rocky Wirtz, both of whom spoke about why they and their families were inspired to establish and help lead the effort. This charitable initiative honors and celebrates Dr. Vender’s distinguished service and clinical leadership at NorthShore, and the close friendships he has enjoyed over many years. Dr. Vender is the Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology and the Harris Family Foundation Chair of Anesthesiology and has been on the medical staff at NorthShore since 1979.

“An endowed chair is most often funded by one donor, perhaps two,” said Murray Ancell, Executive Director of NorthShore Foundation. Ancell added, “It is unusual for such a large group of family members, friends, grateful patients and colleagues to come together on this specific type of significant charitable commitment, and speaks to the regard with which Dr. Vender is held within the community.”

For more information about ways to support NorthShore University HealthSystem, please call (224) 364-7200 or visit northshore.org/foundation. 

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 800+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, cardiovascular care, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.