Mrs. Eunice L. Dwan established the first endowed chair within the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation (DIIT), which was awarded to Bernhard J. Hering, M.D. on May 30, 2002.
The Eunice L. Dwan Endowed Diabetes Research Chair was established with a generous gift from Mrs. Dwan, whose late husband, Dr. Paul F. Dwan, was a clinical professor emeritus in pediatrics at the University and one of the first pediatric cardiologists in the country. Dr. Dwan's professional contributions enabled the University of Minnesota to be at the forefront of pediatric cardiology. He was also a generous benefactor to the University, helping establish the Dwan Variety Club Cardiovascular Research Center and endowed chairs in pediatric cardiology.
Motivated by the impact of diabetes on her family, Mrs. Dwan chose to endow a chair to be held by Bernhard J. Hering, M.D., Director of Islet Transplantation at the DIIT. This is the first endowed chair to be held by a transplant physician at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
"I want to ensure that Dr. Hering remains with us here at the Diabetes Institute and is supported in his research to cure diabetes," said Mrs. Dwan. "Giving to the Diabetes Institute has made me very happy."
"We are deeply appreciative of Mrs. Dwan's support and her motivation to cure diabetes," said Dr. Hering. "Her generosity will have a substantial impact on the DIIT's capacity immediately and in perpetuity."