University of North Dakota medical school professors Dr. Roger Melvold and Dr. Stephen Wonderlich have been named Chester Fritz Distinguished Professors, the University's highest honor for faculty members, and were honored at UND's spring commencement Saturday (May 12).

Melvold is chair and professor of microbiology and immunology at UND in Grand Forks. Wonderlich serves as associate chair and professor of clinical neuroscience at the UND medical school’s Southeast Campus, based in Fargo.

One nominator describes Melvold as "simply one of the very best instructors in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences." Melvold joined the UND faculty in 1997 as professor of microbiology and immunology and department chair. He is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of mouse genetics and immunology. As a scientist and administrator, he has strengthened the resources, faculty, and scholarly reputation of his department.

Melvold is particularly admired for his teaching style and ability to relate to students. By incorporating dimensions such as history and art into his presentations, he encourages his students to appreciate the human aspects as well as the technical knowledge of their field.

Another nominator wrote, "Roger Melvold represents the best in medical education. He conveys to his students the importance of self-reliance, responsibility and lifelong learning, the tremendous value of the history of medicine and of practicing the science and art of the profession with dignity."

Melvold received his bachelor’s degree in biology at Minnesota State University Moorhead and his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. He was a research associate at Harvard University and a faculty member at Northwestern University before coming to UND.

His research has resulted in more than 135 full-length publications and numerous abstracts and reviews. His outstanding skills as a teacher have generated numerous honors and enthusiastic praise from colleagues and students.

Wonderlich, a member of the UND faculty since 1987, has also served as director of clinical research at the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute in Fargo since 1999. He also serves as an adjunct professor of psychology for both UND and North Dakota State University.

Wonderlich has earned an international reputation for his research into aspects of eating disorders. "As a result [of his work], most of us have a much better understanding of the complexities of anorexia and bulimia nervosa, especially in terms of pre-morbid traumatic events and personality factors," one colleague wrote. "There is no doubt in my mind that Dr. Wonderlich’s work has had, and continues to have, a very real impact on improved patient care in eating disorders."

Other nominators from across the country praised his teaching skills, his extensive record of professional activities and presentations, and his involvement in civic causes, particularly on behalf of abused and neglected children.

A colleague wrote, "He is widely regarded as an outstanding mentor and a master clinician, and is widely viewed as an outstanding role model for clinicians, teachers, and researchers of the future."

A native of Moorhead, Minn., Wonderlich received his bachelor’s degree from Concordia College and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. He held an internship and fellowship with the University of Wisconsin before coming to UND.

The award is named after one of UND's first major benefactors, Chester Fritz. A self-made millionaire who made his fortune in silver and other commodities in China, Fritz several times remembered his alma mater with significant gifts, including $1 million each for the Chester Fritz Auditorium and the Chester Fritz Library, as well as other gifts that benefit the University. Some of those funds were set aside to honor high-achieving faculty members.

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Contact: Pamela D. Knudson, director of public affairs, 701-777-4305, pamelak@medicine.nodak.edu or Shelley Pohlman, assistant to the director of public affairs, 701-777-4305, spohlman@medicine.nodak.edu 5-16-07