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School of Medicine Unveils Former Dean Alderson's Portrait

03/15/2018

The framed portraits of every dean of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine hang on the walls along the second floor of Schwitalla Hall.  On Tuesday, March 6, the portrait on former Dean and Vice President for Medical Affairs Philip O. Alderson, M.D., was unveiled at a ceremony attended by friends and former colleagues of Alderson.

Alderson portrait group

(From left) University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., Marge Alderson, artist Patricia Watwood and former Dean and Vice President for Medical Affairs Philip O. Alderson, M.D., at the unveiling of his portrait at the School of Medicine. Photo by Jeff Fowler

Alderson retired from his positions at the end of 2016.

Prior to the unveiling, University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., spoke of Alderson’s leadership during his tenure as dean from 2008-2016.  Pestello singled out Alderson’s role in the negotiations that led to the historic partnership between the University and SSM Health.

Acclaimed artist Patricia Watwood painted the portrait and joined Pestello in unveiling it. The portrait was funded by faculty and alumni of the School of Medicine.

Since retiring from full-time duties, Alderson said he most misses his interactions with colleagues and staff he had come to know during his tenure as dean. He was joined at the event by his wife, Marge, who is a graduate of SLU’s School of Nursing.

Alderson continues to work at the school on a part-time basis, and is teaching class each semester, which allows him to more closely interact with future physicians.