Event Celebrates UC President Emeritus Henry Winkler, PhD

A celebration for the 95th birthday of Henry Winkler, PhD, UC president emeritus, was held in the Henry R. Winkler Center for the History of Health Professions on Thursday, Oct. 27.

About 60 attendees participated in the festivities held in the Center’s Stanley J. Lucas, MD, Board Room in the Medical Sciences Building.

Dean and University Librarian Victoria Montavon introduced Winkler and his wife Bea, thanking him for his many years of personal support for her and his decades of support for libraries.

In addition, President Gregory H. Williams spoke on behalf of Winkler’s key accomplishments throughout his career and presented him with a framed certificate of appreciation.  

"He has been the voice of wisdom and history, the utmost gentleman, as well as gracious and steadfast in his attendance at university events whenever possible,” Williams said during his remarks. "Throughout [Winkler’s] distinguished career in university administration, he has created opportunity for countless students … and is widely recognized for leading UC through its historic transition from a city to a state university.” Williams added that Winkler’s "achievements brought new levels of recognition and professional prestige” to the university. 

In 1986 Winkler became involved with the Center for the History of the Health Professions, then known as the Medical Heritage Center, serving as chair of the center’s advisory board until 2006. The center was named for him in 2009. Founded in 1974, the center is a collection of rare books on the history of medicine, archives of internationally prominent medical figures including Albert Sabin, MD, and historic photographs, oral histories, medical artifacts and medical instruments.