Remembering Dr. Edward J. Keenan

August 4, 2015

Dr. Ed KeenanEdward J. Keenan, Ph.D. (1948-2014) was an important contributor to OHSU and the School of Medicine. He served as the school's associate dean for medical education for 14 years, and during his 39-year career at OHSU, had a tremendous impact on thousands of medical students and faculty.

Since his death in August 2014, school leaders and staff have discussed ways to memorialize Dr. Keenan's legacy as a celebrated teacher, scientist, mentor and colleague. The School of Medicine community is invited to a ceremony this fall during which a tree will be dedicated to Dr. Keenan's legacy:

Save the date: Tree dedication ceremony in memory of Dr. Ed Keenan
Monday, Oct. 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m., lawn outside Mackenzie Hall
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Alumni, colleagues and friends who may not be able to join us in person are encouraged to submit their remembrances via email. We will read these during the ceremony.

In addition to this ceremony, the School of Medicine has formalized other efforts in his honor. The M.D. faculty address for the School of Medicine graduation and hooding ceremony is now the Edward J. Keenan Faculty Address for M.D. students. This idea was brought forth by Brendan Cleary, M.D. '15, and is a way for his legacy to live on each year.

To honor Dr. Keenan's passion for teaching and for teachers, the school will create a new faculty teaching award, to be given annually to a member of the School of Medicine faculty for outstanding contributions to the educational and teaching mission at OHSU. The details of this new award, selection criteria, and further information will be provided in due time. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Tracy Bumsted, M.D., MPH, associate dean for undergraduate medical education, who has led the internal effort to remember Dr. Keenan.

If you have questions about the October ceremony, please contact the SoM Dean's office.

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