School of Medicine alumni Drs. John W. Kitzmiller, '55, and Mark J. Frikker, '78, and former WSU/DMC residents Mario Villalba, James M. Robbins and Jose Gonzalez have established an endowment fund as a tribute to their colleague, teacher and mentor, Dr. Robert J. Lucas, ‘55, who has served as chief of surgery and director of the surgical residency program at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.
This endowment fund has been established to recognize scholastic achievement, to encourage continued progress and to provide assistance to students in financing their education at Wayne State University.
Dr. and Mrs. Lucas’ four children also are alumni of the School of Medicine. Michael, '81, is a surgeon; David,'88, is a pathologist; Scott,'91, is completing a surgical residency; and Laura, '93, is starting an obstetrics and gynecology practice. Dr. Lucas has been a member of the WSU Medical Alumni Association since 1981 and continues to generously support the Alumni Annual Fund.