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MUSC, VA remember Thurmond by Heather Murphy Public Relations Most people never dream of accomplishing the many things Sen. Strom Thurmond did in his lifetime, much less living to be 100 years old.  With the June 26 death of a special friend, the Medical University remembers that the senator always shared the university’s commitment to the health of South Carolinians.  University and Ralph H. Johnson/Department of Veterans Administration Medical Center (VA Medical Center)  staff paid tribute to him during a special ceremony last Friday, culminating in the placement of a floral wreath over the doorway of the Strom Thurmond Biomedical Research Center, his legacy on the MUSC campus.  MUSC President Dr. Ray Greenberg and VA Medical Center chief of staff Dr. Florence Hutchinson lift the floral wreath to be hung over the doorway of the Strom Thurmond Biomedical Research Center. Physical Plant employees Lester Dempsey, left, and Brett Beckman prepare to hang the memorial wreath. Dedicated in 1996, the $31 million center is shared by the Medical University and the VA Medical Center and houses the research efforts of both institutions. It is widely acknowledged that without Sen. Thurmond, this unusual partnership between a federal and state agency would not have been possible. “Six years ago, this building represented a new phase of growth,” said MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D. “In creating a joint research facility with the VA and our academic medical institution, Senator Thurmond helped create a model that served to set a national precedent in collaboration. His vision of bringing these two entities together will be his legacy.” William Mountcastle “It’s important to continue Senator Thurmond’s vision in today’s times. It’s hard for individual entities to build separate buildings. By focusing on the team research approach in the competition for research dollars, the biggest players will find the biggest strength in collaboration,” said William Mountcastle, VA Medical Center director. “He was a wonderful friend to all of the veterans in this state as well as the nation,” said Florence Hutchinson, M.D., chief of staff, VA Medical Center. “His efforts on behalf of research and veteran advocacy will be missed. Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family.”     Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.