Establishment of Interventional Cardiology Endowed Chair Enables Bright Horizon of Possibilities
Written by Becca Schjodt
Jul 8, 2025
On the evening of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 40 guests gathered in the Reilly Fireplace Lounge to celebrate the powerful partnership of philanthropy and medical research through the establishment of the Interventional Cardiology Endowed Chair. Because of the generosity of an anonymous benefactor, this new chair will empower pioneering strides in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. John Messenger, MD, professor of medicine within the Division of Cardiology, was recognized and honored as the inaugural chair holder.
Vice Chancellor of Advancement Scott Arthur welcomed guests and opened the program, speaking to the important impact of endowed chairs and the inspiration born of those who come together to leave an indelible mark on health and medicine. He emphasized the ways in which the fuel that the Interventional Cardiology Endowed Chair will provide will drive innovation through Dr. Messenger’s work, made possible by private philanthropic support.
Larry Allen, MD, chief of the Division of Cardiology and the Kenneth B. Poirier Cardiac Transplant Endowed Chair, briefly took to the podium to highlight the bright horizon of possibilities enabled by the establishment of the chair, share key achievements of Dr. Messenger’s career to date and re-emphasize the crucial role of endowed chairs on the University of Colorado Anschutz Campus and the future of cardiology.
Dr. Messenger then expressed his gratitude to those present and for the power of philanthropy and the unique ecosystem of CU Anschutz, which fosters bold ideas and paves the way for vision to become reality. He also shared his hope for the Division of Cardiology and the future of his work within the field, describing how the generosity of the anonymous benefactor will scale new heights in the research and treatment of heart disease.
Scott Arthur then closed the evening’s program with a special toast and the presentation of a commemorative medallion to Dr. Messenger to symbolize the promise of philanthropy and medical research coming together to make a difference in Colorado and beyond.
