Endowed Chairs and Professorships

The Value of an Endowed Chair

A message from Dr. Gregory P. Downey:

An endowed chair or professorship is one of the highest honors bestowed on an academic institution, reflecting its reputation and prestige. Because an endowment provides for an occupant's salary, benefits, and important research support, future changes in funding will not adversely affect crucial work. Indeed, endowments supply the impetus to strive for unprecedented breakthroughs and discoveries.

For a philanthropist, endowing a chair or professorship demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of and appreciation for National Jewish Health's significant mission and accomplishments. Such an endowment also represents an opportunity to advance the acquisition of knowledge for as long as the institution exists. The names of donors or their designees remain on the chairs and professorships in perpetuity, providing fitting recognition of great generosity.

As you will see, those physicians and scientists who occupy chairs and professorships are leaders and innovators in their specialties, and are the most capable to pioneer innovative projects that will bring improved health to millions around the world.

Gregory P. Downey, MD
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs