March 3, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The University of Alabama Board of Trustees has established an endowed professorship in interventional cardiology in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. The action took place at the Board's recent meeting in Birmingham.

The Baker-Dean Endowed Professorship honors the scientific and clinical accomplishments of UAB cardiologist Larry S. Dean, M.D.

The professorship was made possible by a $500,000 gift from Mr. and Mrs. Raymon J. Baker of Decatur through the Baker Foundation. Baker, a native of Decatur and founder of a multi-million dollar corporation, has been a distinguished leader in the civic and business life of his community and state. He has served the University with a multitude of contributions and services.

In 1993, Baker contributed $100,000 to endow the Geropsychiatry Research Professorship within the department of psychiatry of UAB's School of Medicine.

The endowed professorship will be awarded to a faculty member who has received recognition in the field of Interventional Cardiology and the income from the endowment will be used to assist that individual in pursuing research.