The Lundquist Institute’s annual Legends celebration brought together a full house of faculty, partners, and friends for an inspiring evening dedicated to the power of science, collaboration, and community. This year’s event honored three extraordinary medical leaders — Dr. Shalender Bhasin, Dr. Lynne M. Smith, and Dr. Viktor Eysselein — whose pioneering work continues to shape research and patient care worldwide.
A Night of Purpose and Progress
In his welcoming remarks, President and CEO Joe W. Ramos, PhD reflected on what makes The Lundquist Institute unique: research that begins at the patient’s bedside, advances through the laboratory, and returns swiftly to improve care. “Together, we celebrate the people and partnerships that make bold science possible,” Dr. Ramos said. “Our goal is to turn discovery into impact, from the clinic to the community and the rest of the world.”
Honoring the 2025 Legends
The evening’s centerpiece was the recognition of the 2025 Legends, whose careers exemplify excellence in research, teaching, and service:
- Dr. Lynne M. Smith, Professor of Pediatrics and former Chair at Harbor-UCLA, was celebrated for more than three decades of leadership, patient care, and mentorship in neonatology. Her research on early adversity and child development, including her work in the NIH’s HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study, continues to advance the understanding of infant health and resilience.
- Dr. Shalender Bhasin, a global authority in endocrinology and metabolism, was recognized for his groundbreaking studies on androgen biology and aging. His discoveries have shaped modern clinical practice and practitioners and have influenced the development of therapies for muscle loss and hormonal health.
- Dr. Viktor Eysselein, a trailblazer in gastroenterology and endoscopy, was recognized for over 36 years of innovation in gastrointestinal research and advanced diagnostic techniques. His leadership has established Harbor-UCLA as a regional center for advanced endoscopic care and education, and his entrepreneurial approach to medicine has inspired and shaped the careers of the many physicians he has mentored.
Recognizing Excellence Across The Institute
In addition to the Legends honorees, the event highlighted members of the Institute community whose work exemplifies dedication and impact:
Community Catalyst Award:
- Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán, U.S. Representative for California’s 44th District, was recognized for her steadfast advocacy of biomedical research, educational opportunities for local students, and community health.
Investigator Awards:
- Dr. Ashraf Ibrahim was honored with the Frank J. DeSantis Investigator Award for his pioneering research and entrepreneurship focused on infectious diseases that have advanced new therapies for life-threatening fungal and bacterial infections along with his commitment to education and the next generations of investigators.
- Dr. Lynda Polgreen was honored with the Richard E. Weitzman Investigator Award for her work as a dedicated physician-researcher, leader, and mentor who has advanced the understanding and treatment of rare pediatric diseases, bringing new hope to children and families worldwide.
“One TLI” Staff Achievement Awards:
- Lisa Bosnich was recognized for her ability to bring people together, manage complexity with grace and a smile, and keep Institute operations and events running smoothly.
- Dr. Catalina Guerra was recognized for her extraordinary and compassionate leadership of our Biological Resources Center and support of countless investigators.
- Rosemary Madnick was honored for an exceptional job leading our research operations and for serving as a trusted resource and dedicated partner to TLI investigators.
Help Us Celebrate Our Legends by Investing in Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs
“Legends 2025 was more than a celebration. It was a reminder of the power of community, discovery, and shared purpose,” Dr. Ramos shared after the celebration. “Together, we are shaping the next generation of breakthroughs that will define tomorrow’s Legends.”
As we close out this year’s event, a special thank you to our Legends Sponsors for making Legends 2025 possible:
- Silver Sponsors: Columbia Bank, Paycom, SheppardMullin
- Bronze Sponsors: Anonymous Donor, D & R Office Works Inc, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Division of HIV Medicine, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Please enjoy a few highlights from Legends 2025 (below) and show your support for tomorrow’s breakthroughs and Legends by clicking here.
