A major gift to the University of Kansas School of Medicine from longtime supporter James L. Osborn will create an endowed professorship in the reproductive sciences.

The Marion M. Osborn Memorial Fund, named for Osborn’s wife who died in 2004, is designed to underwrite a full-time research position. The level of funding will eventually reach more than $1.5 million after beneficiary designations and other estate gifts from Osborn are included. The goal is to attract an individual of international stature to the University of Kansas Medical School working in the field of reproductive sciences to augment an already strong area of expertise.

In announcing the gift, KU Endowment said the professorship will serve to invigorate our already very impressive reproductive science program and is destined to become a centerpiece of the program’s growth and success.

This important donation follows the family’s earlier establishment of a fund to support the Kathleen M. Osborn lecture series, named in honor of the Osborns’ daughter, who conducted research at KU School of Medicine and was killed in a car accident in 1970.

The lecture series, which began in 1971, has featured some of the most distinguished scientists and researchers in reproductive biology from around the world. The Osborns worked closely with Gilbert Greenwald, MD, a professor in the reproductive biology program and former chair of the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, to establish the series. Kathleen Osborn worked on reproductive biology research with Dr. Gilbert when she was a researcher at KU.

“It has always seemed remarkable that Kathleen’s relatively brief encounter with Dr. Greenwald so many years ago would lead us to where we are today,” Osborn says.

Osborn notes that the involvement he and his wife had in the lecture series has been a source of considerable satisfaction.

“I have also felt a similar sense of gratification in the development of the forthcoming professorship, and I am sure that feeling will continue well into the future.” +