- A $1 million gift from Samaritan Biologics and its co-founders established a new endowed professorship in UF Biomedical Engineering.
- The professorship recognizes excellence in research, education, mentorship, leadership and service.
- Wesley E. Bolch, Ph.D., has been named the inaugural recipient.
Thanks to a $1 million gift from Samaritan Biologics and its co-founders, Distinguished Professor Wesley E. Bolch, Ph.D., has been named the inaugural Chang & Szalay Samaritan Biologics Endowed Professor in Biomedical Engineering.
“It is with great pride and honor that I accept this appointment as the inaugural recipient of the Chang & Szalay Samaritan Biologics Endowed Professorship,” said Bolch, a longtime UF professor of biomedical engineering and medical physics. “I very much look forward to using this professorship to further my endeavors in teaching, research and service.”
The endowment was established by Samaritan Biologics co-founders Jerry Chang, David Szalay and Virginia “Ginny” Szalay. Chang also serves on the UF BME External Advisory Board.
The professorship recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional achievement in biomedical engineering, along with excellence in education and mentorship and a strong commitment to leadership and service. Its emphasis reflects Samaritan Biologics’ mission to advance innovative medical treatments while supporting broader community engagement and philanthropy.