On Friday, November 1, members of the Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC), along with current cardiovascular disease division members and those who collaborate with them, gathered for a celebratory day-long symposium for the center’s 50th anniversary at the Courtyard by Marriott in Iowa City, overlooking Kinnick Stadium and the UI Health Care medical campus.

The program for the day was filled with distinguished guests and keynote presenters who helped build the center’s legacy: Director for the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Barry London, MD, led introductions for former chair and DEO for the department, Mark Anderson, MD, PhD, who currently holds multiple leadership positions at the University of Chicago, including Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs. Anderson reflected on how Iowa impacted him, and how the center’s namesake, François Abboud, MD, created the environment for science to advance in this medical specialty. He, along with most speakers returning to Iowa City for the celebration, also discussed Abboud’s fierce and loyal love for the University of Iowa and the state itself.