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Honoring a CCOM Legend: Dr. Louis Gierke
Posted December 16, 2008
Each year at our annual Holiday Reception, Dr. Goeppinger selects an alumnus to recognize for his/her lifelong service to MWU. Last Friday, we were privileged to honor Dr. Louis Gierke, CCOM Class of 1957 and longtime Chair of the Department of Pathology and Residency Program Director. A long list of distinguished alumni, along with many faculty, staff, and students, came to the campus to applaud their classmate and friend, who has touched many generations of the CCOM family with his teaching and service.
Photo: Me and Dr. John Kasimos, current Chair of Pathology
Dr. Gierke was born in Berwyn, IL, and served in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve during and after World War II. He then completed college and graduated from CCOM in 1957. In 1975, he returned to his alma mater to lead the Department of Pathology and to teach in the Pathology Residency Program at CCOM's hospitals in Hyde Park and Olympia Fields. He retired in 1993, after a lifetime of service to osteopathic medicine, his patients, and his students. One of his students is now our current chair of Pathology, Dr. John Kasimos, who proudly introduced his mentor at the reception. He spoke about how Dr. Gierke would do anything for his students and was a very caring yet exacting teacher.
Photo: Me and Dr. George Caleel, MWU VP of Clinical Education
Upon accepting his plaque from Dr. Goeppinger, Dr. Gierke spoke very humbly about his service to CCOM and his genuine pride in seeing his medical school grow to become a large health sciences university. His career represents the values upon which both the college and the university are still founded: a commitment to our students, to helping others, and to furthering the profession through teaching, research, and compassionate patient care. Dr. Gierke built one of the finest pathology residencies in the profession and has mentored countless wonderful osteopathic pathologists. The many alumni who came to the reception to honor him--Lombardo, Schlueter, Witte, Kappler, Caleel, Finley, Tomchuck, Kasimos, Blend--are a testament to how beloved Dr. Gierke is to his colleagues.
In addition to honoring this fine physician, the MWU Choir also was a highlight of the reception. Comprised of students, faculty, and staff from all of the colleges, the choir sang four holiday favorites that had the crowd's collective toes tapping. Many members of MWU's Board of Trustees were also on hand for this special event. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and to congratulate one of CCOM's true heroes: Dr. Louis Gierke.
