The Hebrew University of Jerusalem presented an honorary fellowship to Dr. Wallace Weber during its 89th Board of Governors Meeting Oct. 19 in Jerusalem, recognizing his longstanding support of the university, commitment to Israel and contributions to medicine and military service.
Weber, a retired dermatologist, built a specialty practice that expanded to include several offices throughout Kansas. He also served in the first Gulf War as a flight surgeon with the 82nd Airborne Division and later commanded the 410th U.S. Army Reserve Evacuation Hospital in Topeka. He retired from the U.S. Army after 31 years of service, earning honors including the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
Weber has also been a dedicated supporter of higher education and research. At the Hebrew University, he has contributed to scholarships and regenerative agriculture initiatives at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
He also held a volunteer faculty appointment in the Dermatology Division at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where he established and endowed the university's annual Military and Catastrophic Medicine lectureship.
Weber's path to a career in medicine and military service began at Colorado State University, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the ROTC program in 1965. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1969.
Hebrew University President Prof. Tamir Sheafer presented the fellowship in recognition of Weber's support of Israel and the university, his commitment to agricultural and regenerative research, his military service and his contributions to medical education. The university also recognized his efforts on its behalf in the United States and his support of student scholarships and water research.
In accepting the honor, Weber called the recognition an unexpected privilege.
"It is an incredible and unexpected honor to be recognized by such a prestigious institution of higher learning as the Hebrew University of Jerusalem," he said.
Weber also reflected on his longstanding relationship with American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU), crediting the organization's staff with helping foster his connection to the institution.
"It is with much satisfaction and fondness for the accomplished members and staff of AFHU, as well as the staff, faculty and administration of the Jerusalem and Rehovot facilities, that I can reflect on my support journey over several decades," he said.
Weber said his involvement began with a suggestion from an AFHU member and an introduction to Beth McCoy, the organization's former CEO.
"The warmth and enthusiasm demonstrated in the initial contact with Beth McCoy will ever be fond in my memory," he said. "Her staff's ever-present willingness to help problem-solve and make me feel valued as a member of AFHU plays a major role in my support of this institution."