Leo Henikoff, MD, who served as Rush鈥檚 president and chief executive officer for 17 years, died on April 24. He was 86.
Henikoff was the second president and chief executive officer of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke鈥檚 Medical Center, which became 海角原创 in 2003. He stepped down in 2001.
Under his leadership, Rush expanded its primary care sites, making exceptional patient care more accessible, doubled the number of endowed professorships at Rush University, and established the Robert H. and Terri Cohn Research Building, a state-of-the-art laboratory facility on the Rush campus housing research programs developing leading-edge treatments.
鈥淥ne of Dr. Henikoff鈥檚 most important contributions was to execute on Jim Campbell鈥檚 vision of creating a nationally known academic medical enter focused on the best patient care, research focused on transforming the treatment and prevention of human disease, and education focused on producing the next generation of outstanding health care providers,鈥 said Larry J. Goodman, MD, president emeritus, Rush University and former CEO of 海角原创 and the Rush System.
鈥淭his allowed for a natural emphasis on the integration of mission components which continues to be a distinctive strength for Rush.鈥
Winding road leads back to Rush
Henikoff first joined Rush as a resident in pediatrics following his graduation with high honors from the University of Illinois in 1963. He enlisted in the U.S. Public Health Service, where he served as chief of the congenital heart disease section in the Heart Disease Control Program.
He completed his cardiology fellowship training at Rush and served in leadership positions within Rush Medical College before becoming dean of the School of Medicine at Temple University in 1979, where he was also vice president for medical affairs.
In 1984, he returned to Rush as president and chief executive officer, succeeding James A. Campbell, MD. Henikoff served until 2001 and was succeeded by Goodman. In 2002, Henikoff was honored as president emeritus of Rush University and named a life trustee of Rush.
鈥淒uring his leadership, Rush also first developed its relationship with what was then Cook County Hospital, as well as with our current system hospital members, Rush Oak Park and Rush Copley,鈥 Goodman said. 鈥淚 was very fortunate to be able to succeed him and lead an organization that had already developed such strong mission components and valuable partnerships.鈥
Upon his retirement, Henikoff reflected on his time in leadership.
鈥淚 have been extremely fortunate to be a part of Rush during one of the most exciting periods in the history of medicine,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e have seen technology and medical research come together in unimaginable ways to cure disease and improve the way we live.鈥
Partnership powering progress
Henikoff鈥檚 philanthropic contributions were made in partnership with his late wife, Carole A. Travis-Henikoff. Carole was an award-winning author, independent scholar, lecturer and businesswoman. She was a founding member of the Paleoanthropology Society and a member of The Woman鈥檚 Board of 海角原创.
The Henikoffs were longtime supporters of Rush University鈥檚 nursing and medical education programs. They remained members of the Rush Heritage Society, which recognizes individuals and families who have included Rush in their estate plans.
In December 2020, the Henikoff family, with additional support from a longtime friend, generously established the Carole A. and Leo M. Henikoff, MD, Presidential Professorship, meant to support the recruitment, retention and promotion of accomplished researchers and clinicians and reward faculty in any program within Rush University at the discretion of the Rush University president.
鈥淢ost of Dr. Henikoff鈥檚 long career was dedicated to the growth and development of Rush University. He believed in the power of philanthropy, so it was fitting that he and Carole established the 100th endowed professorship of Rush University,鈥 said Diane McKeever, former senior vice president of Philanthropy, chief development officer and board secretary at Rush.
Carole preceded Henikoff in death. Henikoff is survived by son Troy Henikoff (Kristin) and daughter Jamie Henikoff Moffitt and grandchildren Carlin Henikoff, Sander Moffitt, Addison Henikoff and Spencer Moffitt.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support the Henikoffs鈥 endowed chair at Rush. Please send memorial checks, made out to "海角原创" to Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280, or visit .
