Paul Heidger
UI Anatomy Professor Is Winner of the Fifth Annual Faith and Learning Award
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Geneva Lecture Committee at the University of Iowa is pleased to announce the winner of this year's Faith and Learning Award, Dr. Paul Heidger, who has been professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology at UI since 1974. The award was created five years ago to foster an awareness of the relevance of the Christian faith to the academic endeavor. The award will be presented on Friday, October 5 in conjunction with the 25th anniversary celebration of the Geneva Lecture Series.
Dr. Heidger has served his current position at the UI College of Medicine for the past 19 years. His research focus has been in cancer cell biology and is a member of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. He serves as the secretary of the medical faculty and representative on the University Faculty Senate. He was the recipient of the College of Medicine Collegiate Teaching Award and the University Council on Teaching Excellence in Teaching Award in recognition for his excellence in teaching, He was also honored as a Centennial Alumnus by the University of Northern Colorado, his Alma Mater, and served on the national Board of Directors of Sigma Xi.
Heidger's concerns, however, extend beyond the walls of the academia. He is a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City where he is an ordained Deacon and Elder and has served two terms on its Session, and also as chair of the Mission and Outreach Committee. He also served on the United Campus Ministry Board, the Ecumenical Towers Board, the inaugural board of the Emergency Housing Project, the Geneva Lecture Committee. He was involved in the resettlement of Asian refugee families in Iowa City and served as chair of the Resettlement Committee. He has also been intimately involved in foster care for a family with five children as his personal response to the concerns of homelessness.
The Faith and Learning Award is presented each year to a past or present member of the UI community who has contributed significantly in this area. The task of integration can be accomplished in a variety of ways including teaching, mentoring, research, writing, speaking and involvement in the programs of Christian organizations. Previous award winners include James Martins '97, Marvin Lynch '98, George Forell '99, and Marilynne Robinson '00.
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