Gila Reckess
March 9, 2001
Alumnus David Clayson, Ph.D., has established a professorship in the Department of Neurology and a scholarship for graduate studies in the Department of Psychology at the University. Both will bear his name.
The announcement was made by Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton and William A. Peck, M.D., executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine.
"We are honored that Dr. Clayson's name will be associated with Washington University in perpetuity," Wrighton said. "His generous contributions to both the Department of Psychology and the Department of Neurology demonstrate his lifelong commitment to our University."
Clayson suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, a neuro-muscular disease that usually causes death within five years of diagnosis. "I am impressed by Dr. Clayson's enthusiasm and compassion for others in the face of his own devastating illness," Peck said. "His dedication will help us recruit and support top faculty, reinforcing our tradition of excellence in medical research."
Clayson earned his doctorate in psychology from the College of Arts & Sciences in 1963. He established the professorship to support scientists whose research is relevant to developing effective treatments of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
"I am saddened by Dr. Clayson's terrible illness but grateful for his humanity and generosity in making this wonderful gift," said Dennis W. Choi, M.D., Ph.D., head of the Department of Neurology. "The Clayson chair will accelerate the identification of treatments for ALS so that someday others will be spared its ravages."
He also established a scholarship for graduate students in psychology in appreciation for his years as a student in the department.
"We are very grateful for Dr. Clayson's contribution," said Henry L. Roediger III, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Psychology. "It is satisfying to see evidence of the positive experiences our graduate students have here. And it is even more gratifying to know that such memories inspired Dr. Clayson to aid the department's mission of excelling in teaching, research and training future leaders in our field."
Clayson is emeritus professor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, where he served as a mentor, administrator and researcher for more than 38 years. He was head and director of clinical training of psychology in psychiatry at the medical college for 25 years.
Clayson also was co-founder and charter president of the Association of Professors of Psychology in Medical Schools, the first nationwide organization of its kind in the United States and Canada. He also has been prominent in state and national organizations for psychology professionals and is a consultant at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Hospital for Special Surgery.
Based on his own research, Clayson has written extensively on the psychological effects of orthopaedic surgery in adolescents and children.
The legacy he leaves with this professorship and scholarship mirror Clayson's lifelong dedication to teaching. He was the first recipient of the Dean's Award for Lifetime Achievement in Teaching at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and the only nonphysician to receive the Elliot Hochstein Award, given for distinguished teaching by the graduating class at Cornell. He also prompted the foundation of an honorary society for junior faculty to encourage their commitment to teaching.
"Dr. Clayson taught me that faculty members could indeed be approachable and empathetic," said David G. Mohler, M.D., a former student of Clayson's and now an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Stanford University. "As a professor, I've tried to model my own approach on his ability to mentor students and help them develop both professionally and personally."
Since learning of Clayson's illness, Mohler has flown from California to visit his former teacher once a month.
In addition to his many other honors, awards and prizes, Clayson notes with pleasure that a former student named his first son after him. "I always tell my students they are my purpose and my family," he said.
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