On October 9 and 10, 2014, as many as three hundred scientists, physician-scientists and trainees attended the annual international symposium of the University of Iowa Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center. First held in 2013, this symposium provides a special forum for center partners from the University Heidelberg in Germany, and from Peking University, China, to meet with UI scientists and leaders. In addition to presenting at the forum, partners participated in informal discussions of current and plans for future collaborative research projects.

Co-directors of the center, Drs. Barry London and Peter Gruber chaired the sessions. Symposium speakers included center alumni and former faculty who have become national leaders in cardiovascular research. Nobel Laureate, Martin Chalfie provided the keynote address. A highlight of the morning session was Dr. Abboud's perspective on the accomplishments of the center over the 40 years of its evolution under his leadership, entitled "What is Legacy?". 

A highlight of the two-day symposium was the dedication of the François M. Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, a formal recognition of the 2013 naming by the Iowa State Board of Regents and a celebration of the center's founder and guiding spirit, Frank Abboud.

Held at University of Iowa President Sally Mason's home, the dedication included a special visit by Victor J. Dzau, president of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Dzau joined President Sally Mason for the dedication, summarizing Abboud's scientific career and contributions to cardiovascular research, saying that Abboud had "transformed cardiovascular medicine through [his] own research..." and that of the many scientists he mentored.

President Mason remarked that "...Thanks to Frank Abboud's amazing achievements, and global reach, the center is poised to expand its leadership in cardiovascular research in the country even further." She continued, it was "...a most appropriate time to permanently establish the extraordinary legacy of a truly exceptional leader who has served the university, our state, and our nation for more than half a century" (view President Mason's full remarks).

Dr. Dzau began his remarks by referring to Frank's remarkable story of success as an immigrant and to his move to Iowa saying...

"...Where most people saw cornfields, Frank saw opportunity and built and empire...he does not go places that the rest of the world sees as glamorous, but instead, he took a chance and ended up building a powerhouse of CV research at Iowa."

"...most people would agree that much of what contributes to Frank's great leadership are his strong people skills—his ability to give a person his full attention and his genuine interest in the lives of others. I have heard stories of his disregard for time, because he becomes so immersed in his discussions and in a world of constant distractions, it is truly a skill to be focused and attentive on everyone who crosses your path"

Frank has the very unique ability of being able to develop everyone around him. It seems as if everyone around him becomes a leader- Don Heistad, Allyn Mark, Gerald DiBona, Mike Welsh, Curt Sigmund and others. He is a wonderful mentor and has the golden touch. He takes bets on young people. Frank believes in people, advocates for them, and in doing so, leads them to realizing that they can achieve great things" (view Dr. Dzaus's full remarks).

Following the dedication ceremony, 100 colleagues, friends and family were hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Abboud in their home, extending the celebration into the evening.