Some contributors create scholarship and student support funds for specific purposes that don’t fit neatly into a larger category. We are fortunate that our students are supported by the contributors and funds listed below.
Jacques M. Chiller Endowed Scholarship (in the Department of Microbiology)
Jacques M. Chiller, Ph. D., was a vibrant and passionate individual whose fascination with biology and dedication to scientific discovery allowed him to become an internationally renowned expert in immunology.
Dr. Chiller was a native of Paris, France, and came to North America when he was 11 years old. After attending secondary schools in Canada and the U.S., he entered the University of Washington, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1961, a master’s degree in 1966, and a Ph.D. in 1968. While completing his bachelor’s degree in zoology, he became fascinated with the unanswered questions in the then-young field of immunology. He proceeded to dedicate himself to this field, earning master’s and doctorate degrees in microbiology with an emphasis on immunology. He conducted pioneering immunological research as a member of the Scripps Clinic Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif., and at the National Jewish Hospital and Research Center in Denver, where he also served as a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Dr. Chiller’s work led to appointments as vice president of Eli Lilly Laboratories in 1989 and later as president and CEO of DNAX Research Institute (1992–1998), where he directed scientists toward discoveries leading to applications in pharmaceuticals.
His contagious enthusiasm radiated around the globe; he mentored many scientists and students, and they continue to further understanding in the biological sciences.
Dr. Chiller had a special interest in supporting students from diverse backgrounds. The Chiller family recognizes that the University shares this commitment to a student population that includes individuals of varying ages, genders, races, national origins, talents, etc., and those from underrepresented populations and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dr. Chiller passed away on February 24, 1998, and his family established this endowment to honor his life and achievements.
Integrative East-West Medicine Fund for Medical Students
Dr. Emily and Mr. Howard Wong established this fund to support medical students involved in activities related to East-West medicine in the UW School of Medicine.
William O. Robertson Endowed Student Support Funds in Pediatric Medicine
Dr. William O. Robertson is a professor emeritus at the University of Washington School of Medicine and former director of the Washington State Poison Center. He was the coordinator of the School’s Pediatric Clerkship Program and the recipient of four Distinguished Teacher Awards from graduating medical students. He is a leader in medicine.
Dr. Robertson served as a board member of the Washington State Medical Disciplinary Board, as an examiner for the American Board of Pediatrics, as president of the King County Medical Society, and as president of the Washington State Medical Association. He was the chairman of the American Association of Poison Centers and the American Board of Medical Toxicology. Dr. Robertson received the 1995 Abraham Jacobi Memorial Award and the American Medical Association’s Benjamin Rush Award for Citizenship and Community Service. Most importantly, he is a physician, mentor, colleague, and friend to many throughout the world.
Muriel King Taylor Endowed Scholarship (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences)
After graduating from Weill Cornell Medical College (1962), and completing post-graduate psychiatry training in Wisconsin (1968), Dr. Taylor taught community and child psychiatry as a member of the child psychiatry faculty of the University of Washington. Subsequently she led the Washington State Bureau of Mental Health during the early development of county community programs, local inpatient child programs, and the statewide information system. Afterward, she sailed in a small boat with her husband and son to New Zealand, where she developed an adolescent psychiatric family treatment program at the Auckland Hospital before returning to Washington in 1983. After working in Community Mental Health and an HMO, in 1988 she joined the staff of the American Lake VA Medical Center (part of VA Puget Sound Health Systems) where she participated in the introduction of the computerized patient record. Following her departure from the faculty as assistant professor, she held the title of clinical assistant professor at the UW.
She established this endowment in 2005, and its purpose is to provide financial assistance to medical students in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences who may be interested in pursuing careers in psychiatry.
Alvin Thompson Medical Student Support Fund
Dr. and Mrs. Alvin J. Thompson established this fund to support activities that support the recruitment and retention of African American students in the UW School of Medicine.