Contact: Ralph Derickson

William R. Markesbery

Past recipients of the medallion were such literary figures such as Wendell Berry, James Still and Bobby Ann Mason, and scientist Phillip Sharp.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 13, 2004) -- William R. Markesbery, professor of pathology, neurology, anatomy and neurobiology, and chemistry and director of the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and its Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, today was awarded the UK Library Associates’ 2004 Medallion for Intellectual Achievement.

The Library Associates, a friends of the library organization, has awarded the medallion since 1992 to persons who have “evidenced intellectual achievement in a scientific, artistic, literary, social or humanitarian field” and who have “produced some original work or contribution of lasting value.”

Past recipients of the medallion were such literary figures such as Wendell Berry, James Still and Bobby Ann Mason, and scientist Phillip Sharp.

In introducing Markesbery at the Library Associates award ceremony in the William T. Young Library, UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. praised him as one of the nation’s premier researchers on Alzheimer’s disease. “His expertise on this terrible disease has catapulted him into major scientific leadership and national advisory roles.”

Markesbery has headed the Sanders-Brown Center since 1979 and the Alzheimer’s Center since 1985. Despite the extensive work required to attract major research funding to UK, Todd said Markesbery “continues to be an outstanding neurologist who shows remarkable compassion and insight with his patients.”