Building on a foundation of brilliance

As the story goes, it was a dark and stormy night, when one brilliant scientist reviewed the master plan of another that had the potential to change the world.

This story, however, has a very different ending than the ominous beginning infers. That's largely because the scientists were Dr. Henry Barnett and Dr. Charles Drake. And the plan, the brainchild of Dr. Barnett, conceived the idea for the development of one of the most specialized departments of clinical neurological sciences in the country.

In sharing the story, Dr. Barnett recalls how he and his good friend Dr. Drake were having dinner, when an ice storm unexpectedly hit, making road travel impossible, causing Dr. Drake to stay the night. Dr. Barnett decided to take advantage of Mother Nature's cruel hand that evening, to share his ideas with Dr. Drake about a department that would combine neurology, neurosurgery, neuropathology and neuroradiology.

Today, people around the world are benefitting from their collaboration and planning. And investing in it.

Their reputation and many landmark accomplishments over the years, as well as those achieved by many who have followed in their path, have inspired tremendous support from colleagues, former students and friends from as far away as California, England and Switzerland. One such gift was received from Dr. Julien Bogousslavsky, a fellow of Dr. Barnett's. His donation of $10,000 will support the Kathleen and Dr. Henry Barnett Chair in Stroke Research.

The Chair, which honours the gracious spirit that defined Kathleen's life and builds on the excellence, success and mentorship of Dr. Barnett, will boost Robarts Research Institute's research strengths in the treatment and prevention of stroke. The position will attract the best minds to Robarts by providing the incentive of a generous base salary coupled with dedicated research funds in a close-knit community of collaborative research teams.

Dr. Barnett is enthusiastic about the future potential for the Chair. His hope is that it will attract someone to focus on the pioneering efforts ahead in stroke research, and recruit and build a strong interdisciplinary team.

The Chair is just one of the School's many current fundraising projects. In total, the School will raise $145 million over the next six years to enhance student support, teaching and research facilities, academic and research programs and teaching excellence.