A Legacy of Gratitude

The commitment of one family has made a profound difference

By Rick Skwiot

Breakthroughs in developing leukemia therapies, in treating osteoporosis and childhood asthma, in fighting viruses that cause blindness, and in understanding Alzheimer’s disease — these and countless other advances have come about with the aid of one St. Louis couple, the late Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff. Together they donated more than $70 million to the School of Medicine to fight cancer and other diseases and to support the scientists and physicians responsible for the medical breakthroughs.

“The power of philanthropy to change people’s lives and improve the well-being of future generations is undeniable,” said Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. “Patients here at the Medical Center and around the world have benefited from the generosity of supporters such as Alan and Edith Wolff — through improved patient care, new treatments and a deeper understanding of the causes of diseases.

“Through their gifts, which continue to fund the work of world-renowned physicians and researchers, the Wolffs have left a lasting legacy by advancing medicine and science. In the process they have earned the gratitude of us all.”

Learn more about the Wolff legacy below.

The Wolff Professors

Wolff Professors are leaders in many disciplines at the School of Medicine. Following is a list of professors and dates of installation. Five more professors will be added, bringing the total to 20.

• 

  William A. Peck, MD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Medicine

  Sept. 9, 2002

• 

  Richard K. Wilson, PhD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Medicine

  March 20, 2014

• 

  Daniel C. Link, MD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Medicine

  July 1, 2009

• 

  Todd D. Margolis, MD, PhD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

  April 4, 2014

• 

  L. David Sibley, PhD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Molecular Microbiology

  Sept. 9, 2002

• 

  Arnold D. Bullock, MD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Urology

  June 18, 2014

• 

  Daniel C. Brennan, MD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Renal Diseases

  Aug. 8, 2013

• 

  David B. Carr, MD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Geriatric Medicine

  Aug. 14, 2014

• 

  Chyi-Song Hsieh, MD, PhD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Rheumatology

  Aug. 13, 2002

• 

  John D. Turk, MD, PhD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Endocrinology

  Sept. 4, 2014

• 

  Daniel S. Ory, MD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Cardiology

  Aug. 15, 2013

• 

  Lilianna “Lila” Solnica-Krezel, PhD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Developmental Biology

  Nov. 3, 2014

• 

  Lee Ratner, MD, PhD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Oncology

  Sept. 23, 2013

• 

  Aaron DiAntonio, MD, PhD

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Developmental Biology

  Dec. 11, 2014

• 

  Mario Castro, MD, MPH

  Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

  Dec. 12, 2013

The Wolff legacy endures

Learn about the Wolffs’ quiet lifestyle, dedicated toward helping others in need. And, in their own words, meet three Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professors. They discuss the role of philanthropy in advancing medical science and the impact of the Wolff legacy on the School of Medicine.

A Grateful Institution

A Lasting Impact

Building Excellence

Opening New Avenues