The late Raymond Nester Sweeney, MD ’68 was the son of a policeman who grew up in modest circumstances. He attributed his success as a radiologist to the excellent, affordable education he received at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.In gratitude, he left his medical school alma mater one of the largest estate gifts in University history. His gift was used to establish the Raymond Nester Sweeney, MD ’68 Endowment Fund, which supports medical excellence in all forms at the University of Illinois College of Medicine through student scholarships, educational innovation and support of faculty professorships.To further acknowledge the commitment to excellence demonstrated by Dr. Sweeney through his philanthropy, the College of Medicine has established the Robert and Mary Sweeney Faculty Excellence Society. This society recognizes those all individuals with the prestige of being invested as a named professor or chair within the College of Medicine, its many departments, centers or divisions. Dr. Mary Stephenson was honored at the Annual Society Recognition in April, 2015 as a current named chair holder.