The director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., has been named the first holder of the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research.
University of Miami President Julio Frenk, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., made the announcement during an event at the Kislak Center in the Otto G. Richter Library, noting the generosity of the legendary fashion designer and his family, especially his widow, Annette de la Renta.
“This chair provides a tremendous legacy to not only Mr. de la Renta, but also the potential to transform research and cancer care worldwide,” Frenk said. “We are incredibly appreciative of the foresight and vision of the de la Renta family. Today is an extraordinary day for the entire University community, and especially Dr. Stephen D. Nimer.”
Mrs. de la Renta noted, “Tonight is all about Dr. Stephen Nimer. He’s a wonderfully compassionate man, and the University is very lucky to have him here in Miami.”
Jeffrey Duerk, Ph.D., executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, said the endowed chair provides the University the honor of having its name associated with one of the most respected leaders in the design and fashion industry.
“The ingenuity and creativity necessary to fight cancer, and the de la Renta chair name, are both symbolic and reflective of Dr. Nimer’s approach to leading our cancer center,” Duerk said.
Humbled to be chosen as the inaugural chair, particularly given his close friendship with de la Renta, Dr. Nimer, professor of medicine, biochemistry, and molecular biology, paid tribute to the late fashion legend who ”rapidly ascended to the top of the haute fashion world.”
“An endowed chair is one of the highest academic honors for a faculty member and a tribute to their achievements,” said Henri R.Ford, M.D., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School of Medicine. “It instills our sincere and utmost confidence that this individual is going to continue on a path of excellence.”
Oscar de la Renta was a longtime supporter of Dr. Nimer’s work, first at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and then later at Sylvester. In 2014, de la Renta lent his expertise and time to help organize Sylvester’s “Design for a Cure” fashion show in South Florida, which raised more than $1 million.
“Oscar’s career is a source of inspiration for me and through his vision and generosity we will be able to fund more life-saving research,” Dr. Nimer added. “I look forward to many more productive years of research, mentoring, leadership, and caring for patients.”