Robert Frank and Sharon Popp have established an endowed fund in conjunction with Physicians for Social Responsibility.

To honor the memory of his father, Edward Frank, School of Medicine Associate Dean Robert Frank, MD, ‘73, School of Medicine associate dean and his wife, Sharon Popp, PhD, assistant professor of family medicine, have established an appropriate tribute. Born to immigrant parents, Edward Frank sacrificed his opportunity for higher education to selflessly support his family. Proprietor of an automobile service station that was a focal point of community life, Frank enjoyed the affection and respect of employees and customers whom he treated as family. He had a lifelong commitment to education and the social values of tolerance, diversity and equality.        

An endowment fund originally begun more than 10 years ago by the school’s chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) presented Edward Frank’s family with a special opportunity. Established to advance principles of global peace, tolerance and understanding, the PSR fund was incomplete. To function in accordance with university policy, endowments must attain a prescribed balance before income from investment can be disbursed.

Through the Franks’ generosity, the PSR endowment now has been funded and revived in a new form, supporting those values it was originally founded to serve. With consent and some additional gifts from the original donors, it has been renamed The Physicians for Social Responsibility/Edward Frank Endowed Fund.  Income generated by the endowment has been designated to underwrite an innovative mentoring program teaching students effective teamwork skills, as well as the importance of tolerance and sensitivity to diversity. Edward Frank’s family believes the PSR/Frank Endowed Fund is an appropriate tribute, one that will perpetually impact students in ways Frank would applaud.