Give to Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Contributions to this newly established Alumni Society will support department expansion and help to provide world-class residency training. Your gift will have a lasting impact in training the next great generation of Otolaryngologists and Head and Neck Surgeons.

Dr. George Conner, founding chief of what is now the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, retired in 1994 after more than 20 years of service. During his tenure, Dr. Conner established a full-time academic, research-oriented division and recruited outstanding faculty with the installment of a residency training program. In recognition of his invaluable impact, the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is proud to announce the formation of the George H. Conner Alumni Society.

As Penn State Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery moves forward as a growing, world-class department, the importance of modern training equipment and labs for residents is imperative. Gifts to this worthy initiative will support the plans underway to upgrade and double the number of stations in our temporal bone lab.

Gifts to the Otolaryngology Resident Research and Education Fund support the scientific and educational endeavors of our residents — highly talented physicians, who are receiving training in the field of otolaryngology. Gifts to this fund have been invaluable in providing our residents with the resources they need to present scholarly work and participate in scientific meetings and pursue research endeavors.

These funds are used to support our head and neck cancer care and research. The discoveries made here at Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine will lead to substantive improvements in the care otolaryngology patients receive locally and around the world.

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is dedicated to improving global health and providing care for medically underserved individuals. Each year, faculty, residents and fellows lead several mission trips focused on initiatives such as cleft lip and palate repair, surgical skills education and more. The Otolaryngology Global Health Travel Fund assists with travel expenses for these mission trips. Your support will help enhance otolaryngology care worldwide.

Watch recap of recent medical education mission trip to Ghana.

The Ferraro Resident Symposium in Otolaryngology, established through the generosity of resident alumnus Dr. Richard Ferraro, is held annually at the conclusion of the academic year. The event highlights research and projects conducted by residents, selected medical students, and fellows. A distinguished visiting professor is invited each year to deliver the keynote lecture.

The Annual Ellie Goldenberg Memorial Event provides funds for world-class events and lectures on topics that intersect the fields of medicine and the vocal arts presented by outstanding scientists, artists, scholars and researchers. This fund honors the memory of Ellie Goldenberg (ז ״ל), actor, singer, beloved daughter, sister and friend.

Dr. David Goldenberg, Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and his wife and former College of Medicine faculty member, Dr. Renee Flax-Goldenberg, created the endowed event to honor Ellie’s memory. The endowment supports events that recognize and highlight the intersection of medicine and the fine arts.

The second annual Ellie Goldenberg Memorial event paid tribute to the voice Ellie shared with everyone – whether it was around the house or on stage as the accomplished performer she became. Ellie’s classmates, teachers and friends curated and directed an evening of cabaret performances. Read about the performances honoring Ellie’s life in song.

To donate to the Annual Ellie Goldenberg Memorial Event, visit engage.pennstatehealth.org/ellie.

The George H. Conner Visiting Professor Lecture provides funds for world class lectures by outstanding scientists, scholars, and researchers in the field of Otolaryngology. This fund honors our founding chair, Dr. George H. Conner, who laid the foundation for today’s success of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

The George H. and Betty R. Conner Excellence in Otolaryngology Fund supports resident and faculty education and research in the Department of Otolaryngology of the Penn State College of Medicine, enhancing programs and new initiatives with an emphasis on funding outstanding residents in the Department.

The Upcraft Family Research Endowment, started by M. Lee and Lilian Upcraft, honors the Upcraft Family by providing ongoing financial support to enhance and further clinical cancer research in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

The John R. Fenstermacher Head and Neck Cancer Research Endowment was started through the fundraising efforts of Peg Fenstermacher, in honor of her late husband John. For many years, Peg organized and raised funds through an annual golf fundraiser. The endowment supports research efforts focused on head and neck cancer, and honors the late John Fenstermacher, a much-loved father, husband, son and friend.

The Carlton E. Hughes Cancer Research Endowment honors the legacy of the late Carlton E. Hughes by providing financial support for the head and neck cancer research at the Penn State Cancer Institute and the Penn State Division of Head and Neck Surgery. A fitting tribute to Mr. Hughes, the endowment was started through the efforts of Mr. Hughes' wife, Shirley, and his daughter Carlyn.