MCW/Marquette Medical Alumni Association Awards

Cecilia J. Hillard, PhD '83, is a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and holds the G. Frederick Kasten, Jr. Endowed Chair in Parkinson's Disease Research. She is internationally recognized as a pioneering researcher in cannabinoid and endocannabinoid signaling resulting in more than 300 publications, sustained NIH funding, and a distinguished record of scientific collaboration.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hillard has been a dedicated educator and mentor, earning numerous teaching and mentorship honors including MCW's Distinguished Service Award. She has also provided transformative leadership at MCW, serving as Associate Dean for Research from 2015 to 2025, founding director of the Neuroscience Research Center, and inaugural director of the Neuroscience PhD Graduate Program. A passionate advocate for neuroscience research, medical education, early-career scientists, women in science, and health equity, Dr. Hillard was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Cannabinoid Research Society. 

Her enduring contributions have helped shape MCW's national reputation for excellence in neuroscience research and education. 

Eric S. Paulson, PhD '08, is an internationally recognized leader in medical physics and serves as Professor of Radiation Oncology, Radiology and Biophysics and Chief of Medical Physics at MCW.

Since joining the faculty in 2011, he has transformed the field through groundbreaking innovations in MRI-guided radiation therapy, helping establish one of the world's leading MR-guided radiation therapy programs and advancing the implementation of Wisconsin's first proton therapy program.

A prolific researcher, educator, and inventor, Dr. Paulson has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, secured millions of dollars in extramural research funding, mentored dozens of students and trainees, and developed multiple patented technologies that have advanced cancer care and commercialization efforts. As co-founder of an MCW-based startup, he has helped translate innovative research into real-world solutions that improve patient outcomes.

Through his visionary leadership, scientific innovation, and unwavering commitment to education and mentorship, Dr. Paulson has elevated MCW's national and international reputation in radiation oncology and medical physics.

His commitment to advancing science, improving patient care, and transforming cancer treatment reflects the mission of MCW and the profound impact of its graduates.

Sidney E. Grossberg, MD, is the Walter Schroeder Professor Emeritus of Microbiology & Immunology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a pioneering leader whose legacy has shaped generations of scientists and physicians.

As the founding chair of MCW's Department of Microbiology & Immunology, he led the department for 31 years and later served as director of the Medical Scientist Training Program, helping establish nationally recognized research and physician-scientist training programs.

Internationally renowned for his groundbreaking work in virology and interferon research, Dr. Grossberg has authored more than 190 scientific publications and earned numerous honors, including Fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, as well as the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society for Virology.

Earlier in his career, while serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he was the first to isolate the H2N2 influenza virus, work that contributed to the development of the influenza vaccine used in the United States. His decades of leadership, scientific discovery, and mentorship have left an enduring impact on biomedical research and medical education at MCW and around the world.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, MCW established the Sidney E. Grossberg, MD Endowed Lectureship Fund in his honor and previously presented him with its highest distinction, the Distinguished Service Award.

John M. Dunn, MD '90, has dedicated more than three decades to providing compassionate pediatric care at Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers.

Board certified in pediatrics after completing his residency at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Dunn is known for his patient-centered approach, emphasizing empathetic listening and collaborative decision-making with children and their families. Throughout his career, he has devoted himself to serving Milwaukee's underserved communities, building trusted relationships across cultures and advocating for the health and well-being of generations of children.

His clinical interests include childhood development, autism, and asthma care, while his enduring commitment to equitable healthcare has made a lasting impact on the patients, families, and communities he serves.

Dr. Dunn's unwavering dedication to service exemplifies the humanitarian values of the medical profession and the mission of MCW.

James D. Thomas, MD '91, is a nationally recognized leader in emergency medicine whose career has been defined by clinical excellence, education, and service to the profession.

Board certified in emergency medicine, he has spent more than three decades caring for patients while serving in numerous leadership roles, including Associate Chair and Medical Director of emergency departments across the Northeast. Dr. Thomas currently serves as President of the American Board of Emergency Medicine, where he has helped shape physician certification, assessment, and standards of care nationwide.

He has been deeply committed to medical education as well as mentoring students and trainees throughout his career, whether he’s teaching advanced life support courses or serving as a course director and clinical preceptor for future healthcare professionals, his dedication to advancing emergency medicine has inspired future generations to pursue careers in healthcare.

Dr. Thomas's distinguished career reflects an unwavering commitment to leadership, lifelong learning, and improving patient care.

Margaret Pertzborn, PharmD '20, a graduate of the MCW School of Pharmacy's inaugural class, is a nationally recognized leader in infectious diseases pharmacy and serves as the first Infectious Diseases Pharmacist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

A credentialed HIV Specialist, she has played a pivotal role in expanding access to HIV treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services, improving care for patients across rural Wisconsin. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Pertzborn is a dedicated educator and mentor, training pharmacy residents, medical residents, and fellows while fostering interprofessional collaboration in infectious diseases care.

She also advances the field through research, national presentations, and leadership roles with organizations including the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center and The Aliveness Project, where she supports HIV prevention and care initiatives.

Through her commitment to innovation, patient care, education, and advocacy, Dr. Pertzborn has made a lasting impact on both her profession and the communities she serves.

2025 David C. Warltier, MD '82, PhD '76, GME '88
2024 Marie L. Nakata, MD '89, GME '93
2023 A. John Capelli, MD '78, GME '81, posthumously
2022 Gary L. Kolesari, MD '77, PhD '76
2021 E. Christopher Ellison, MD '76
2020 Neil R. Guenther, MD ’83, GME ’86 ’88
2018 Paul E. Hankwitz, MD '74, GME '78
2017 Gerald J. Dorff, MD '64, FEL '70
2016 John T. Bjork, MD '71, Fel '76
2015 Donald J. McDonald, MD '83, GME '87
2014 Steven C. Bergin, MD '74, GME '78
2014 Thomas G. Wittmann, MD '84, GME '87
2013 James L. Algiers, MD '53, GME '63
2012 Victoria A. Vollrath, MD '77, GME '80
2011 Ronald J. Darling, MD '62, GME '67
2010 Jane L. Neumann, MD '70, GME '73
2009 Cynthia A. Bauer, MD '74, GME '75
2008 Thomas J. Russell, MD '62
2007 Thomas M. Kidder, MD '68, GME '73
2006 Anthony P. Ziebert, MD '60, GME '63, FEL '64
2005 Robert S. Pavlic, MD '54
2004 Kathleen M. Hargarten, MD '82, GME '85
2003 Roger P. Johnson, MD '67, GME '73, MS '65
2002 Donald P. Schlueter, MD '59, GME '63
2002 Gilbert S. Wadina, MD '61
2001 Donald E. Chisholm, MD '56, GME '64
2001 David S. Haskell, MD '67, GME '72
2000 John R. Litzow, MD '59, GME '63, FEL '65
2000 Robert J. Toohill, MD '60
1999 John J. Frederick, MD '51, GME '58
1999 Michael H. Keelan, Jr., MD '60, GME '66, FEL '68
1998 William B. Frymark, MD '46, GME '54
1998 Michael T. Jaekels, MD '55
1997 William C. Curtis, MD '47
1997 William G. Weber, MD '60
1996 Robert O. Buss, MD '66, GME '68
1996 Robert H. Herzog
1995 Walter E. Gager, MD '63, GME '67
1995 Rita M. Marino, MD '58
1994 Donald J. Heyrman, MD '56
1994John P. Kampine, MD '61, PhD '65
1993 Kathryn C. Bemmann, MD '56
1993 James M. Cerletty, MD '58, FEL '64
1992 George J. Korkos, MD '59
1992 William J. Listwan, MD '68, GME '74
1992 Sanbo S. Sakaguchi, MD '43

2025 Candice S. Klug, PhD '99
2024 Peter A. Bandettini, PhD '94 
2023 Philip S. Clifford, PhD '85
2022 Sachin C. Patel, MD '06, PhD '04
2021 Matthew R. Hodges, PhD '04
2020 Jeffery D. Molkentin, PhD ’94
2019 Page S. Morahan, PhD '69
2017 Cecilia J. Hillard, PhD '83
2016 Michael F. Nolan, PhD '75
2015 Joseph J. Carroll, PhD '02
2014 Sarah K. England, PhD '93
2013 Lawrence G. Pan, PhD '83
2012 Daniel J. McDermott, PhD '69

2025 George E. MacKinnon III, PhD, MS, RPh, FASHP, FNAP
2024 Angela K. Nelson
2023 Billie Kubly
2022 Cheryl A. Maurana, PhD
2021 Ravi P. Misra, PhD
2020 Allen W. Cowley, Jr., PhD
2019 Richard N. Katschke
2017 Alonzo P. Walker, MD
2016 John R. Raymond, Sr., MD
2015 William A. Schultz
2014 Edward J. Zore
2013 James W. Heald
2012 Linda T. Mellowes
2011 J. Frank Wilson, MD
2010 Virginia K. Bolger
2009 John M. Cary
2008 James E. Youker, MD
2007 Thomas R. Hefty
2006 Stephen H. Marcus
2005 Vera Wilson
2004 Janice L. Lennon
2003 Lorry Uihlein
2002 P. Michael Mahoney
2001 Lloyd B. (Ted) Smith
2000 Melodie Wilson Oldenburg
1999 William L. Randall
1998 Jon P. McGlocklin
1997 Michael J. Cudahy
1996 Jack F. Hanus
1996 Lesley A. Mack
1995 T. Michael Bolger, JD
1991 Gerald A. Kerrigan, MD
1990 Reverend John P. Raynor, SJ
1989 John R. Petersen, MD, GME '60
1989 Richard O. Schultz, MD
1988 Jacob Lemann, Jr., MD
1986 Drs. June M. and George F. Unger
1984 Leonard W. Cronkhite, Jr., MD
1982 Edward A. Bachhuber, MD
1980 Edward J. Lennon, MD, GME '58
1979 Stavri G. Joseph
1978 Joseph F. Kuzma, MD
1976 Bessie Casey
1969 Walter P. Blount, MD
1969 Louis Quarles

2025 Sheryl E. Uyeda, MD '11
2024 J. Luis Bautista, MD '84 
2024 Joseph M. Tombers, MD '64
2023 Roland H. Winter, MD '83
2022 Stephen W. Hargarten, MD '75
2021 Mark L. Harlow, MD '86, GME '91
2020 Steven E. Larson, MD ’75, GME ’78, FEL ’80
2019 Marc H. Erickson, MD '89
2018 Sister Alegria, MD '78
2017 Donald A. Hackbarth, MD '77, GME '82
2016 Anne T. Martinelli, MD '01
2015 Frank T. Pilney, MD '59
2015 John P. Zimmermann, MD '70
2014 Laurel M. Bear, MD '84, GME '87
2013 Gloria M. Halverson, MD '73
2012 Clifford H. Starr, MD '56, GME '63, MS '63
2011 Sister Mary V. Annel, MD '71
2010 Thomas P. Chisholm, MD '59
2009 Wendelin W. Schaefer, MD '64
2008 Carol A. Ritter, MD '83
2007 Theodore G. MacKinney, MD '85
2007 Julianne R. Newcomer, MD '87, GME '97
2006 Stuart E. Adair, MD '64
2005 Brother Jerry J. Galloway, MD '65, GME '70
2005 George R. Schneider, MD '70

2025 John A. Picconatto, MD '69
2024 Anne M. Hanneken, MD '84 
2023 Michael A. Stocker, MD '68, GME '69, MPH
2022 Anna M. Ledgerwood, MD
2021 Elizabeth M. Davies, MD '95, GME '98
2020 Marlene D. Melzer-Lange, MD ’75, GME ’78
2019 Beth Erickson Wittmann, MD '84, GME '88
2018 Robert P. Nirschl, MD '58
2017 William M. Valenti, MD '72
2016 Karen J. Marcdante, MD '80, GME '83
2016 Paul S. Pagel, MD '86, GME '90, FEL '93, PhD '94
2015 Joseph E. Kerschner, MD '90, FEL '98
2014 Jerry R. Youkey, MD '74
2013 Philip E. Stieg, MD '83
2012 David R. Holmes, Jr., MD '71
2011 Steven P. Shelov, MD '71
2010 Gen. C. Bruce Green, MD '78
2009 Richard J. Kitz, MD '54
2008 Mary M. Horowitz, MD '80, GME '89, MS '91
2007 Janis M. Orlowski, MD '82
2006 Ritsuko Komaki, MD, GME '77, FEL '78
2005 James T. Casper, MD '70, GME '72
2004 Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD '78
2003 Thomas M. Krummel, MD '77
2002 George J. Reul, MD '62, GME '69
2001 Joseph E. Geenen, MD '60, GME '65, FEL '67
2000 Maria Bustillo, MD '75
1999 Donald R. Laub, MD '60
1998 John P. Kampine, MD '61, PhD '65
1997 Thomas L. Garthwaite, MD, GME '79
1996 Michael J. Dunn, MD '62
1995 Raymond C. Zastrow, MD '55
1994 Walter J. Hogan, MD '58, FEL '64
1993 Jack A. Klieger, MD '41
1992 Eugene E. Bleck, MD '47
1991 Timothy T. Flaherty, MD '59
1990 Edward J. Lennon, MD, GME '58
1989 William V. Dolan, MD '74
1988 Michael J. Krentz, MD '73
1987 James B. Perry, MD '56
1986 John J. Czajka, MD '56, GME '61
1985 Marvin Wagner, MD '44, MS '51
1984 Sister Antonia M. Guerrieri, MM, MD '34
1983 Norman H. Engbring, MD '51
1982 Leo R. Weinshel, MD '37, GME '48, MS '53
1981 Francis X. Paletta, MD '39
1980 Bruce J. Brewer, MD '40
1979 Steve L. Chojnacki, MD '37
1978 Reverend James R. (Luke) Tupper, MD '58
1977 Anthony V. Pisciotta, MD '44
1976 Derward Lepley, Jr., MD '49
1975 Bruno J. Peters, MD '38
1974 Robert J. Schweitzer, MD '46
1973 John S. Hirschboeck, MD '37, MS '41
1972 John G. Walsh, MD '38
1970 Frederick J. Hofmeister, MD '35
1967 Joseph M. King, MD '21

William J. Krombholz, PharmD '20