Professor emeritus creates endowed lectureship through WVU Eye Institute
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Ask retired West Virginia University professor Joginder Nath, Ph.D., why he continues giving back to the University where he taught for more than 40 years, and the answer is clear. His passion for learning runs deep, and his care and concern for people is foremost.
This is evident by his latest gift to WVU, the creation of an endowed lectureship through the WVU Eye Institute. The Joginder Nath Ophthalmology Lecture will support the School of Medicine in promoting the advancement of knowledge in the field of ophthalmology. The endowment will provide for lecturers who are nationally and internationally recognized in teaching, research, and/or practice of ophthalmology.
“We are honored to be the recipients of this endowed gift from Dr. Nath to create the Joginder Nath Ophthalmology Lecture,” said Ronald L. Gross, M.D., chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and director of the WVU Eye Institute. “This gift will help to enhance knowledge and discovery in ophthalmology. By bringing in internationally recognized lecturers, our residents, fellows, faculty, and anyone interested in the field of vision research have the opportunity to engage in pioneering discoveries to advance the work we do to treat eye disease and prevent blindness.”
Nath, now an emeritus professor in the Department of Genetics at the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, retired in 2009 after more than four decades of teaching and research at WVU. He was chairman of the Genetics Program since 1970. Nath still remains active in the University community, including serving on both the Eye Institute and Davis College Campaign committees.
“It is hoped that this lecture will not only serve the need of professionals in the field of medicine and ophthalmology but also the education and needs of the citizens of Morgantown and the state,” said Dr. Nath.
The inaugural Joginder Nath Ophthalmology Lecture will be held in the Pangilinan Family Lecture Hall at the WVU Eye Institute on the ophthalmology department’s annual research day, Friday, May 29. The lecture is open to the public.
Nath has made several gifts to the University and community over the years, including previous donations to the Eye Institute, the student food pantry known as “The Rack,” and the Art Museum of WVU. He has endowed a lectureship in the Honors College, a graduate student travel fund at the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, and supported local arts projects and hospitals in the region.
The gift establishing the Nath Ophthalmology Lecture was made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $1 billion fundraising effort by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December 2017.