KHI News Service
TOPEKA, Jan. 17
A $1 million gift will fund a new professorship to help the University of Kansas coordinate a statewide network of cancer care providers that will reach out to patients battling cancer.
Capitol Federal Foundation of Topeka, Kan., made the contribution to KU Endowment to create the Capitol Federal Masonic Distinguished Professorship in Cancer.
The person named to the position will serve as the statewide medical director for the KU Cancer Center, officials for the KU Medical Center and University of Kansas Hospital said.
The professorship counts toward the $15 million goal of the Kansas Masonic Foundation”s Partnership for Life fundraising campaign. The campaign, which has raised more than $8.5 million, supports cancer research at KU and will assist the KU Cancer Center in its goal to achieve designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute.
The interest earned on the professorship fund will be eligible for matching support by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Partnership for Faculty of Distinction program, which was created by the Legislature in the 2000 session.
Jeff Sowder, president of Kansas Masonic Foundation, said the gift was an important show of support for the KU Cancer Center.
“This is a significant demonstration of Capitol Federal”s commitment to Kansas,” he said. “In addition, this speaks to how important the KU Cancer Center is to the care of Kansas residents.
The medical director will report to the KU Cancer Center director, Roy Jensen, and will be responsible for defining and stimulating the comprehensive cancer strategy statewide.