Greg Gerhardt,  a 1979 Truman alumnus, shown with his late wife, Paulette.

Greg Gerhardt, one of the nation’s foremost researchers on Parkinson’s disease has made a planned commitment of $1 million to establish Truman State University’s first-ever endowed professorship.

A 1979 Truman graduate, Gerhardt has pledged $1 million through his estate to create the Greg A. and Paulette C. Danielle-Gerhardt Endowed Professorship in Science.

“Truman is elated to receive a commitment of this magnitude,” said Dr. Barbara Dixon, president. “Our commitment to academic distinction begins with an investment in our faculty, and this professorship will enhance our ability to recruit, support and retain teacher-scholars of top quality.”

The professorship, designed to ensure continued teaching excellence at Truman, will be designated for a professor in chemistry or biology and preference will be given for those teaching or researching in neuroscience. The professorship is designed to recruit and retain eminent faculty and support the teaching, research and professional activities of the professorship’s incumbent beyond traditional levels of University support.

Endowment earnings may also be used to strengthen the chemistry and biology departments through course development, lectureships, graduate assistants, equipment, technology and salary enhancement of the recipient.

Gerhardt is a professor of anatomy and neurobiology at the University of Kentucky. He is also the director of UK’s Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center, one of 12 such facilities in the country. For the past 25 years, Gerhardt has focused his research efforts on Parkinson’s disease.

The professorship was established in memory of Gerhardt’s late wife, Paulette, who passed away in May 2007. Paulette Danielle-Gerhardt’s career included positions at Coopers and Lybrand, Deloitte and Touche, HBO, Rocky Mountain Energy and the owner/operator of a floral business in the Denver area.

For information on making a planned gift to Truman visit our online Planned Giving Guide at http://giving.truman.edu/PlannedGifts.asp