Dr. Walt’s legacy continues through endowed chair and published book

A joint reception to announce the establishment of the Alexander J. Walt, MB, ChB, Endowed Chair in Surgery at the School of Medicine and the publication of a book featuring a collection of papers written by the late Dr. Walt, was held at the Detroit Athletic Club on May 26.

More than 150 friends, family members and supporters attended the event, which was hosted by the Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Wayne State University Press and the Wayne State University Walter P. Reuther Library.

Dr. Walt served as chairman of the School of Medicine’s department of surgery for 22 years. He was an internationally renowned surgeon and was regarded as an outstanding educator. He passed away in 1996.

More than $1.2 million dollars has been raised from his colleagues and friends to establish this chair in Dr. Walt’s memory. Dr. Walt had also written many insightful and innovative papers focusing on graduate medical education, compassionate patient care, the future of surgery and more. A compilation of these papers, recently published by University Press and presented at the reception, is titled Alexander J. Walt: Reflections.

The reception featured many presenters who spoke fondly of their memories of Dr. Walt and the remarkable accomplishments he achieved during his lifetime. The campaign to bring the Alexander J. Walt, MB, ChB Endowed Chair in Surgery to $1.5 million dollars continues. For information on how to make a contribution, please call Priscilla Khoury, director of development and alumni at the School of Medicine at  (313) 577–1495.