Stories of Change

On July 21, 2025, a joyful gathering of faculty, staff and guests came together in the Anschutz Health Sciences Building at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to celebrate the establishment of the Cockerill-Wittmus Endowed Chair in Neurology. This meaningful milestone was made possible through a gift from the estate of Janis McReynolds, whose legacy of generosity and vision will fuel innovative research in neurology and psychiatry for years to come. The Department of Neurology also made a contribution to help establish the endowed chair. 

The celebration honored Maria Nagel, MD, as the inaugural chair holder. Dr. Nagel is a professor of neurology and ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, renowned for her pioneering work in neurovirology, particularly the neurological complications of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Her research has advanced understanding of stroke and facial pain syndromes, and she is one of the few neurovirologists worldwide treating adults in this field. 

The event began with a welcome from Naresh Mandava, MD, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, followed by remarks from Ken Tyler, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology. Dr. Tyler emphasized the importance of endowed chairs in attracting top talent and praised Dr. Nagel’s contributions to research and patient care. He noted her accolades, including being a fellow of the American Neurological Association and recipient of the Grateful Patient and Family Award from UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. 

Dr. Nagel then shared some heartfelt words, expressing gratitude for the endowed chair and the opportunity it provides to accelerate her translational research. She spoke about the impact of philanthropy in advancing neurological care and her excitement for what lies ahead in the field. It was especially meaningful for Dr. Nagel’s mentor, Hans Schreiber, MD, PhD, and Karin Schreiber to travel to Colorado for the event and celebrate this honor with her. 

Don Elliman, chancellor of CU Anschutz, concluded the program with a toast and the presentation of a medallion to Dr. Nagel, symbolizing her excellence and leadership. He thanked her for her dedication to patients and research and acknowledged the enduring impact of Janis McReynolds’s gift. 

As the event drew to a close, there was a shared sense of appreciation for the generosity that made this moment possible, for the remarkable contributions of Dr. Nagel, and for the bright future of neurological research at CU Anschutz.