2024 Investiture Ceremony Honors Donors, Faculty
Saint Louis University will hold its 2024 Investiture Ceremony on March 7, marking the accomplishments of 21 distinguished faculty members across four academic units and honoring the donors whose philanthropic generosity has established endowed positions.
The event will celebrate seven new positions, as well as the reinvestitures of positions that were previously appointed.
Endowed faculty positions are financially supported in perpetuity, ensuring that each role is available for generations of faculty. Such named faculty positions are sought-after career achievements for academics, making it easier for Saint Louis University to attract top scholars in a competitive higher education landscape.
The generosity of SLU’s friends and alumni makes these positions possible. Learn more about the donors who will be honored in 2024.
John Renard Professorship In Islamic Studies
The John Renard Professorship in Islamic Studies was generously funded by John Renard and Dr. Mary Pat Henehan
- John Renard, Ph.D. — More than four decades ago, Dr. Renard was assigned to teach world religions at
Saint Louis University, marking the first time a Jesuit school hired an Islam specialist.
Today, 43 years and 20 books later, Dr. Renard has instructed thousands of students
through 48 different courses on multiple traditions.
Dr. Renard’s first teaching assignment not only paved the way for a career in Islamic studies but also served as a segue at SLU for broadening the scope of theological studies. As a young Jesuit in 1968, he was charged with teaching the World Religions course to De Smet High School juniors. His only acquaintance with other faiths at that time came through Hebrew courses he took for a master’s in biblical languages and literature at SLU’s School of Divinity, and that presented a challenge: How was he to teach about other religions without knowing much about the subject matter? Before the Arab oil embargo (1973), mention of Hinduism or Buddhism ordinarily elicited positive responses. But Islam — the second largest religion on earth – would typically be dismissed as a dark, alien force. Such reactions seemed unfair to Dr. Renard, who wanted to pursue graduate work in Islamic studies to learn more. He taught himself Arabic and spent the summer of 1972 in Jerusalem to combine biblical interests with intensive Arabic lessons at Hebrew University. He loved the language, and in 1973, Dr. Renard specialized in classical Arabic and Persian religious texts and Islamic art with Harvard University’s Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. Five years later, his Jesuit superior assigned him to teach world religion courses at SLU. His dedicated work in religious studies at the University provides essential insights into the religions that have shaped world history and will continue to impact the future. - Mary Pat Henehan, D.Min. — Mary Pat Henehan, D.Min., has blended her background in health care, counseling
and spirituality throughout her career. After receiving her bachelor’s in nursing,
she served four years as a staff nurse and head nurse at the Daughters of Charity
Health Services hospitals in Dallas. She earned a master’s degree in public health
at the University of Michigan. In the mid-1970s, she was the director of public health
nursing for the City of St. Louis Department of Health. Dr. Henehan expanded her professional
scope with a master’s in the history of Christian spirituality from Saint Louis University,
a license in marriage and family therapy and a doctor of ministry degree with a certificate
in pastoral counseling from Eden Seminary.
Dr. Henehan has served the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy as president of the Missouri branch and a national board member. She also supervises and mentors therapists through their two-year licensure process. Dr. Henehan was the vice president for Mission and Ministry at DePaul Hospital. Her teaching experience includes courses at Saint Louis University’s College of Public Health and Social Justice, the University’s medical family therapy graduate program, the Aquinas Institute and the Washington University Brown School of Social Work. Dr. Henehan is the author of the book Integrating Spirit and Psyche: Using Women’s Narratives in Psychotherapy (Routledge, 2002), which introduces a broad range of narratives that influence women's understandings of themselves and their lives.
Dr. Henry And Amelia Nasrallah Endowed Professorship
The Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Endowed Professorship was generously funded by Dr. Henry and Mrs. Amelia Nasrallah, whose commitment to higher education, research, psychiatry and neuroscience extends worldwide.
- Henry Nasrallah, M.D. — A world-renowned neuropsychiatrist, neuropharmacologist, educator and researcher,
Henry Nasrallah, M.D., was listed by Reuther as one of the most frequently cited investigators
worldwide. His research focuses on the neurobiology and psychopharmacology of schizophrenia
and psychotic mood disorders and has been instrumental in the treatment of patients
diagnosed with schizophrenia and related disorders. He co-founded the Schizophrenia
International Research Society (SIRS) and co-established and serves as scientific
director of the CURESZ Foundation.
From 2013-2019, Dr. Nasrallah was chair of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience and served as chair of psychiatry at The Ohio State University College of Medicine for 12 years. He was associate dean for faculty mentorship at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine for four years, where he currently serves in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience as vice chair for faculty development and mentorship, medical director of the neuropsychiatry program, director of the schizophrenia program and professor of psychiatry, neurology and neuroscience.
Dr. Nasrallah has published 450 scientific articles, 610 abstracts, 195 editorials and 13 books and is editor-in-chief of three journals. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) and the American College of Psychiatrists (APA). Dr. Nasrallah served as president of the Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Foundation, the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists and the Missouri Psychiatric Association. He has received the highest research awards from The Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati. He has been presented with the NAMI Exemplary Psychiatrist Award twice and has received several teaching awards. He is listed annually in Best Doctors in America.
Dr. Nasrallah completed his psychiatric residency at the University of Rochester and a neuroscience fellowship at the National Institutes for Health (NIH). - Amelia Nasrallah, M.A. — Amelia Nasrallah, M.A., has bachelor’s and master’s degrees
in psychology and earned summa cum laude honors from the American University of Beirut.
While raising their two children, Amelia held research and editorial positions at
the University of Iowa and The Ohio State University. Since 1988, she has been the
senior managing editor of the international peer-reviewed journal, Schizophrenia Research,
and in 2019, she became the senior managing editor for Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatry.
Amelia Nasrallah taught at the University of Cincinnati Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience from 2003-2013, serving as Clinical Research Center (CRC) administrator for four years and the Clinical Research Management (CRM) director for seven years. She currently is an assistant professor emerita at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Amelia Nasrallah was president of The Ohio State University Hospital Service Board and has published 27 papers in peer-reviewed journals and 10 abstracts. In addition to her numerous professional contributions, Amelia enjoys gourmet cooking and baking for the Nasrallah family.
Kevin Beckmann Chair of Neonatal Research
The Kevin Beckmann Chair of Neonatal Research was created through the generous funding of Mr. Kevin Beckmann.
Kevin Beckmann, a devout Catholic and father of three who believes that all children — especially the most vulnerable — should have the opportunity not only to survive but to thrive. Born prematurely himself, Mr. Beckmann was inspired to support infants and families in the top-ranked neonatal intensive care unit at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Mr. Beckmann is president and owner of Trident Steel Corporation headquartered in St. Louis.
Dennis O’Connor Chair of Palliative Care
The Dr. Dennis O’Connor Chair of Palliative Care was graciously established by the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation in honor of Dennis O’Connor, M.D.
Dr. O'Connor has dedicated over 50 years of his career to pediatric care, specializing in treating children with cancer and blood disorders. He served as director of the neonatal intensive care unit at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and was chair of pediatrics from 1977 to 1980 and vice president for medical affairs from 1991 to 1995. He was a pivotal member of the Cardinal Glennon Board of Governors from 2012 to 2023 and also served as the medical director of the Footprints Palliative Care Program. Dr. O'Connor’s distinguished service in pediatric medicine was recognized in 2011 with the title of Emeritus Professor, and he received the esteemed Glennon Award in 2019. Dr. O'Connor earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University and completed his residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in infectious disease at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
William J. Keenan Chair of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
The Dr. William J. Keenan Chair of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine was generously funded by the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation in honor of William Keenan, M.D.
Dr. Keenan joined Saint Louis University’s faculty when neonatology was new, and infant mortality was high. He was director of SLU’s Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine for nearly 30 years and president of the medical staff and chief medical officer at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. He also was a key founder of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), a global program that trains health care professionals who care for newborns with an evidence- and team-based approach. Dr. Keenan has provided the Neonatal Resuscitation Program to millions of medical staff around the world. He earned his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He completed training in pediatrics at Boston City Hospital and a fellowship in neonatology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Dr. Robert Wilmott Endowed Chair of Pediatrics and Dr. Robert Wilmott Immuno Chair in Pediatric Research
These two endowed faculty positions were generously funded by the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation and Saint Louis University School of Medicine in honor of Robert Wilmott, M.D.
Dr. Wilmott was vice president for medical affairs and dean of Saint Louis University School of Medicine from 2019 to 2021. He successfully led the school and SLUcare through challenges, including COVID-19. In addition, he grew the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and implemented bias training for School of Medicine employees. Prior to this role, Dr. Wilmott served with distinction for 16 years as chair of the SLU Department of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Dr. Wilmott received his medical degree from University College–London and completed his residency in pediatrics at the Hospital for Sick Children. He performed his fellowship in pulmonary and cystic fibrosis at the Hospital for Sick Children and the Institute of Child Health in London.
2024 Investiture Ceremony Honorees
This year’s 2024 Investiture Ceremony honorees include:
- Gary M. Albers, M.D.
George and Patricia Erker Chair of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine - Anne Michelle Carpenter, Ph.D.
Danforth Chair in Theological Studies - Kayla Dang, Ph.D.
John Renard Professorship in Islamic Studies - Jason T. Eberl, Ph.D.
Hubert Mäder Endowed Chair in Health Care Ethics - Vernat Exil, M.D.
Wieck-Sullivan Endowed Chair in Pediatrics - Diana Greene-Chandos, M.D.
Sylvia N. Souers Endowed Chair in Neurology - George T. Grossberg, M.D.
Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Endowed Professorship - Noah Hillman, M.D.
Kevin Beckmann Chair of Neonatal Research - Devin Johnston, Ph.D.
Eugene A. Hotfelder Professorship in the Humanities - Brian A. Mailey, M.D.
Lisa and Vasu Pandrangi, M.D., and Family Professorship in Plastic Surgery - Hersh S. Maniar, M.D.
Tenet Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery - Philip L. Mar, M.D., Pharm.D.
Jack Ford Shelby Endowed Professorship in Cardiology - Amit Mathur, M.D., M.B.B.S., M.R.C.P. (UK)
William J. Keenan Chair of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine - Adriana M. Montaño, Ph.D.
Dr. Robert Wilmott IMMUNO Chair in Pediatric Research - Niloofar Piri, M.D.
Dr. Walter F. and Sharon Ryan Davisson Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology - Rubén Rosario Rodríguez, Ph.D.
Clarence Louis and Helen Steber Professorship in Theological Studies - Jennifer Sanders, Ph.D.
Michael and Rita Mooney Visiting Professorship in Catholic Studies - Wing-Kin Syn, M.D., Ph.D.
James F. King Chair in Gastroenterology - Gregory E. Triplett Jr., Ph.D.
Oliver L. Parks Endowed Deanship - Paula Vanderford, M.D.
Dennis O’Connor Chair of Palliative Care - Andrew J. White., M.D.
Dr. Robert Wilmott Endowed Chair of Pediatrics