Vol. 297, Issue 3, 829-836, June 2001

Looking Toward the Future, Using Lessons from the Past

Benedict R. Lucchesi

Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan

It is a privilege and honor to be selected by the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics for the Torald Sollmann Award. I wish to take this opportunity to comment on my experiences over the last 40 plus years as both a student and a faculty member. I was trained in pharmacology as well as medicine with the goal of entering an academic career that would permit me to engage in teaching and research. The subject of my presentation focuses on the events that helped to shape my career. Attention is given to those who made it possible for me to advance in my learning, teaching, and research. In addition to having been taught by excellent instructors, I have benefitted from having many outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral fellows, without whom much of what I feel I have accomplished would not have been possible. Being surrounded by a supportive environment and accompanied by bright and eager young students gives me reason to look toward the future with enthusiasm. I chose to take the time and space allotted to me to present a brief overview of where I have been and how many individuals played important roles in helping to achieve my goals. In essence, this composition is a tribute to my family, professional associates, and current and former students.