Generous Donation Boosts Cancer Research at University of Arizona
A transformative $1 million donation from John and Valli Duval is set to significantly enhance cancer research and clinical innovation at the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center. This contribution will bolster efforts in gastrointestinal oncology and support cutting-edge clinical trials and patient care.
The donation has led to the creation of an endowed fund and the John F. and Valli S. Duval Endowed Professorship for Gastrointestinal Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. Dr. Rachna Shroff, a leading figure in clinical research at the Cancer Center, has been appointed as the inaugural holder of this professorship, a position that recognizes her outstanding contributions to oncology as a physician-scientist and mentor.
The inaugural professorship was celebrated in a ceremony on March 12, acknowledging Dr. Shroff’s distinguished career and leadership in the field. The funds will also support ongoing investment in clinical trials and compassionate patient care at Arizona’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.
Dr. Robert Wolff, a professor of medicine specializing in GI Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, praised Dr. Shroff during the investiture ceremony. Dr. Shroff attributes much of her professional development to Dr. Wolff’s mentorship during her fellowship and subsequent tenure as faculty at MD Anderson.
Mitchell Masilun/U of A Health Sciences BioCommunications
Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Shroff stated, “I’m honored to have been chosen for this inaugural endowed professorship and extremely grateful to the Duvals for their generosity. This gift will allow the Cancer Center to continue to invest in clinical trials, which are the only way to move the needle forward in cancer care. Every single cure that we now have for cancer started with a clinical trial.”
John Duval’s dedication to healthcare administration and education spans decades, having served as COO at the former University Medical Center and retired as CEO of Virginia Commonwealth University Hospitals and Clinics. Valli Duval has been actively involved in volunteer leadership, supporting academic medical centers and community health initiatives. Their generous donation is expected to accelerate clinical research and broaden access to innovative treatments for patients.
Dr. Dan Theodorescu, director of the Cancer Center, remarked, “The Duvals have spent a lifetime supporting academic medicine, and I thank them for this gift that will allow the Cancer Center and Dr. Shroff to continue to search for treatments and therapies that will benefit patients. Dr. Shroff’s impact is evident not only in the scientific discoveries she has contributed to the field, but also in her leadership and steadfast determination to advance clinical trials that can lead to better outcomes for Arizonans.”
Dr. Shroff, who is also the chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the College of Medicine – Tucson, has been at the forefront of developing immunological therapies and new drug treatments, always prioritizing patient care. At the University of Arizona, she has developed a leading gastrointestinal oncology program, ensuring patients benefit from the latest scientific advancements.
Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and partnerships, commented, “Dr. Shroff’s research has helped usher in an era of personalized medicine, where doctors can target cancers based on each patient’s unique biology. The Duvals’ gift will allow the University of Arizona to investigate a broad spectrum of new diagnostic, prevention and treatment strategies through leading-edge clinical trials that have the potential to expand treatment options for patients worldwide.”
Internationally renowned for her work in cholangiocarcinoma, Dr. Shroff began focusing on this rare cancer when treatment options were limited. Her leadership in landmark clinical trials has significantly advanced the field, providing new hope where FDA-approved therapies were once unavailable.
John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, stated, “Philanthropy plays a critical role in attracting and retaining physician-scientists like Dr. Shroff, whose work touches the lives of patients and their families every day. I am grateful to the Duvals for establishing such a meaningful legacy at the Cancer Center.”
This monumental gift from the Duvals forms part of the $3 billion Fuel Wonder campaign, aimed at advancing the university’s strategic goals of enhancing student success, pioneering future-shaping research, and engaging with communities to create opportunities.
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