MUSC honors cardiology director's
legacy with new endowed chair
On Dec. 11, MUSC celebrated the establishment of its newest endowed
chair and dedicated it to the memory of former Department of Cardiology
Chairman Dr. Michael Assey, who passed away October 2000. An endowed chair is a prestigious faculty appointment within a college or university. It is often named in honor of a prominent figure who has made a significant contribution toward continued progress in his or her field of endeavor. Once established, the chair is permanent, providing the university with an enduring way to honor the work of that individual.
Dr. Ray Greenberg
talks about plans Dr. Michael Assey had before his death in October
2000. An oil portrait was unveiled at the Dec. 11 reception recognizing
the Michael E. Assey Endowed Chair in Clinical Cardiology.The Michael E. Assey Endowed Chair in Clinical Cardiology was established by Dr. Assey’s friends, family, patients and colleagues, who committed $1 million in gifts and pledges toward the effort.
More than 60 people attended the dedication reception, including Dr. Assey’s widow, Valerie, and children, Amanda and Michael. During the ceremony, the Assey children unveiled an oil portrait of their father that will hang in the university’s Heart & Vascular Center.
A native of Georgetown, Dr. Assey joined the Medical University’s faculty as a staff cardiologist in 1979, later rising to the position of director of the Department of Cardiology. He was widely recognized for his skills both as an educator and a caregiver, having received the Medical University’s prestigious Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching, as well as recognition in “The Best Doctors in America.” He also served as the first director of what is now known as the Medical University’s Heart & Vascular Center. Dr. Assey died of heart failure at his home in Mount Pleasant on Oct. 27, 2000.
“In both his work and personal life, Mike Assey distinguished himself as an exceptional human being whose talent and friendship enriched not only the Medical University and the field of cardiology, but also the thousands of friends, colleagues and patients who had the privilege of knowing him,” said university President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D.
“His plan was to build a world-renowned heart and vascular center. With this endowed chair, we can achieve Mike’s vision while honoring his life’s work in a permanent and wholly appropriate manner,” said Greenberg.
Friday, Jan. 6, 2006
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