Mr. Louis DeWolff has donated $1 million to establish the Grace E. DeWolff Chair of Medical Oncology. The endowed chair will provide support for a medical oncologist who is expert and active in clinical research, particularly in the areas of thoracic or gastrointestinal cancer. Mr. DeWolff's wife Grace was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer in 1999. At the time, he elected to take her to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, as he felt her chances of survival would be best if they pursued care at this renowned clinical research facility. Unfortunately, she had complications that limited her ability to tolerate chemotherapy. She eventually succumbed to sepsis after a 14-month battle with cancer. Throughout her ordeal, she displayed courage and remained optimistic about her chances for recovery. Even in her last days, she asked Lou to commit to donate to several worthy causes---amongst these was cancer research. Ironically, Mr. DeWolff was diagnosed with locally advanced lung cancer barely two weeks after Grace's funeral. He did not wish to be treated in New York, where he felt he would be haunted by the past. He chose instead to come to the Hollings Cancer Center. He was treated by Dr. Carol Sherman and Dr. Andrew Turrisi with chemotherapy and radiation. He remains in remission, now almost four years later. Lou states "These episodes were sobering and forced me to contemplate about what contribution I could make to combat this scourge of humanity. I came to the conclusion that a dedicated chair for medical oncology research would be the best path, to do the most good for those unfortunate victims, and to support those dedicated doctors and scientists who have committed their lives to finding a cure or improving the survival rate and comfort of cancer patients." Louis DeWolff is sponsoring the Grace E. DeWolff Endowed Chair of Medical Oncology in memory of his "beautiful and loving wife." He states that "if this act contributes to the saving of additional lives or prolongs life in comfort in those stricken with cancer, then it will have achieved its purpose." | 
The Medical University of South Carolina houses a rapidly expanding scientific enterprise. The spectrum of research ranges from fundamental laboratory studies to applied clinical investigations. Many of these advances are occurring across traditional disciplinary boundaries. For this reason, linkage to expertise in areas underrepresented on campus, such as chemistry, physics and engineering, must be "built" through collaborative efforts. In addition, the translation of intellectual property to commercial application is an engine for the state's economic development.
