Caldwell's legacy endures with $1 million endowment
Joan Leslie Caldwell is funding an endowed chair in gynecologic oncology.
William G. Caldwell, M.D., never forgot where he received his medical education. The 1943 University of Louisville School of Medicine graduate practiced in the Los Angeles area for most of his life, but he remained close to UofL in many ways.
For example, he founded the Southern California regional alumni club and, along with his wife, Joan Leslie, hosted the club's annual Derby party.
Caldwell had a long history of supporting the university financially, too. In 1954, he established the George P. Caldwell Scholarship Fund in the School of Medicine in tribute to his father. Caldwell's devotion through the years earned him the university's Order of Merit Award in 1988.
Caldwell died last year, but his wife has now taken up the baton in his stead. Recently she established the $1 million Dr. William G. and Joan L. Caldwell Chair in Gynecologic Oncology. The state's Research Challenge Trust Fund is matching the gift.
"This endowed chair will go a long way in helping us attain the highly coveted National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center status," UofL President John Shumaker notes.
"The endowed chair in gynecologic oncology represents a great tribute to a fine alumnus and his wife, who have remained good friends and supporters of the School of Medicine and university for many years," adds Joel Kaplan, dean of the medical school and UofL's vice president for health affairs.
"The endowment will help us expand our efforts in women's health through the recruitment of an outstanding gynecologic oncology researcher."
In 1942 while a student at UofL, Caldwell received the Alpha Omega Alpha Scholastic Medal. After interning with the U.S. Navy, he practiced medicine in Los Angeles, eventually becoming chief of the medical staff at Queen of Angels Hospital.
The Caldwells met while Joan was working in Hollywood, starring in movies including "High Sierra" with Humphrey Bogart, "Sergeant York" with Gary Cooper and "Yankee Doodle Dandy" with James Cagney. In 1943 she became Fred Astaire's youngest dance partner in "The Sky's the Limit."
After their marriage, Mrs. Caldwell devoted most of her time to raising twin daughters, Ellen and Patrice. She also owns a fashion design business under the label "Joan Leslie." Mrs. Caldwell became an adopted alumnus of UofL in 1982.
