The University of Nebraska Medical Center has selected Lewis Harris,
Sc.D., as the 1998 recipient of the J.G. Elliott Award. He will receive
the award May 9 at the UNMC commencement ceremony in Omaha.
The award is given annually to an individual who has made significant
contributions to medicine and health programs for Nebraska. It is given
in memory of Elliott, a former Scottsbluff resident who served on the University
of Nebraska Board of Regents for 20 years until his death in 1974.
A 1932 graduate of the University of Nebraska, Dr. Harris is the co-founder
of Harris Laboratories. The Lincoln-based company, now known as MDS Harris,
provides contract research services to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural,
food and animal health industries.
Under his leadership, MDS Harris has become a multi-national organization,
serving the analytical needs of private industry and government agencies
in Canada, China, Ireland, France and Germany, as well as the United States.
"The work of his company has resulted indirectly in safer pharmaceuticals,
safer foods, less allergenic cosmetics, and a safer and purer water supply,"
said Sam Augustine, Pharm.D., who nominated Dr. Harris for the award. "It
is very difficult to imagine how the health of every Nebraskan, past and
present, has not benefitted at some time from the efforts of Dr. Harris
through the work of MDS Harris."
Dr. Harris served as president of Harris Laboratories Inc., from 1933
to 1972 and as chairman from 1973 to 1978. Today, he continues his efforts
at MDS Harris as chairman emeritus, often arriving at work earlier than
most of his fellow employees.
From 1971 to 1980, Dr. Harris was a member of the board of directors
of the SmithKline Corp. During his tenure there, he participated in the
decision to continue research and development on a new drug for the treatment
of ulcers. This recommendation established the drug cimetidine as the first
of a new class of agents to be used in ulcer therapy.
Despite his national and international involvement, Dr. Harris has remained
committed to -more-Nebraska. He has been active in his support of the education
and research missions of the University of Nebraska, providing lectures,
experimental opportunities and research collaboration for the university
that have led to direct benefits for Nebraska citizens.
His professional and philanthropic efforts have been recognized by his
alma mater with an honorary Doctor of Science Degree and a distinguished
alumni award. "His tireless efforts to improve the condition of mankind
through science and his industrious approach to answering questions posed
in the early stages of drug development research elevate him to a standard
few others can attain," said Dr. Augustine.
Dr. Harris is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the
City of Lincoln Cornerstone Award, the Kiwanis Club Distinguished Service
Award, the National Award for Agricultural Excellence, the Nebraska Academy
of Science-Friend of Science Award, the Nebraska Association of Commerce
and Industry Private Enterprise Award, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
and Industry Hall of Fame and the University of Nebraska Distinguished
Alumni Award.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has
established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research
and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than $25 million in
research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually.
In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more
health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.
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