On October 14, faculty, partners, and friends gathered for The Lundquist Institute’s annual Legends celebration, an evening honoring the remarkable individuals whose contributions have shaped the Institute’s legacy of scientific discovery, innovation, and patient care. This year’s celebration recognized three distinguished leaders—Dr. Ashraf S. Ibrahim, Dr. J. Usha Raj, and Dr. William W. Stringer—whose groundbreaking research, dedication, and service have made a lasting impact on the Institute and the communities it serves.
A Tradition of Discovery
Since 1952, researchers at The Lundquist Institute, including more than 80 past Legends, have made world-first discoveries in the laboratory and at the bedside, advancing science and improving lives. This year’s honorees carry that legacy forward and continue to shape the future of health and medicine.
Our newest Legends reflect The Lundquist Institute at its best: rigorous science, genuine collaboration, and a commitment to the communities that need us most.
Joe W. Ramos, PhD, President and CEO, The Lundquist Institute
Honoring the 2026 Legends
This year’s Legends represent decades of pioneering research, exceptional leadership, and unwavering dedication to advancing human health.
Dr. Ashraf S. Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases and Immunology Innovation Hub and Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, came to Harbor-UCLA as a postdoctoral fellow in 1991 and has dedicated 35 years to research at the Institute. Today, he is recognized as a leading expert on some of the deadliest fungal infections. His research investigates how these invasive infections take hold and uses those discoveries to develop new treatments. His work has attracted more than $50 million in research funding and produced more than 220 publications and book chapters. He also founded Vitalex Biosciences, which develops vaccines, immunotherapies, and diagnostics for fungal infections, and helped establish the Institute’s graduate studies program, extending his impact to the next generation of scientists.
Dr. J. Usha Raj, Anjuli S. Nayak Endowed Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Chief of Neonatology at Harbor-UCLA from 1995 to 2008, was honored for four decades of foundational research on blood flow in the lungs. Supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for nearly 40 years, her research transformed scientific understanding by showing that the lung’s veins actively regulate blood flow rather than simply carrying it. Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Raj rebuilt the Department of Pediatrics at UIC and opened a children’s hospital serving underserved communities. Her commitment to pediatric medicine and future generations of researchers continues through her philanthropy, which established the J. Usha Raj Endowed Professorship in Pediatrics at The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA.
Dr. William W. Stringer, Medical Director of the Institute’s Respiratory Research Center and Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, joined Harbor-UCLA in 1984 and has played an instrumental role in shaping the Institute’s research and clinical leadership. He chaired Harbor-UCLA’s Department of Medicine from 2000 to 2015, served on The Lundquist Institute’s Board of Directors for 15 years, and recruited many of the translational scientists who continue to advance research at the Institute today. An expert in cardiopulmonary exercise testing, Dr. Stringer co-authored the leading textbook in the field and leads clinical trials in COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and Long COVID, helping advance the understanding and treatment of respiratory diseases.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Institute
Beyond honoring this year’s Legends, the evening also recognized the essential contributions of donors, investigators, and staff whose dedication continues to strengthen the Institute’s mission and impact.
Community Catalyst Award
Joe and Farima Czyzyk received the Community Catalyst Award, becoming the award’s second recipients and the first donors to receive this distinction. Their generous gift in 2022 expanded community access to The Lundquist Institute’s advanced cardiac imaging and supported research led by 2023 Legend Dr. Matthew Budoff to identify patients at high risk for heart attacks. Their philanthropy reflects the meaningful role community partners play in bringing scientific advances closer to the people who need them.
Investigator Awards
Dr. Harry B. Rossiter received the Frank J. DeSantis Investigator Award in recognition of his research in cardiopulmonary exercise testing and respiratory medicine, advancing scientific understanding of respiratory health.
Dr. Eiji Yoshihara received the Richard E. Weitzman Investigator Award for his research into how whole-body metabolic regulation shapes the progression of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with the goal of advancing new approaches to treatment.
“One TLI” Staff Achievement Awards
The celebration also recognized two staff members whose leadership and dedication help make the Institute’s scientific mission possible.
Karen Mayo, MBA, DBA, ThD, Vice President of Facilities & Support Operations, was recognized for her dedication to leading the Institute’s infrastructure and operational projects, helping build and sustain the environment where innovation thrives.
Wendy Rafkin, Program Director for Infectious Diseases & Molecular Medicine, was honored for her leadership in the department and for her ongoing commitment to the people and programs that drive research forward.
Celebrating Our Legacy, Inspiring Tomorrow’s Legends
Legends 2026 celebrated extraordinary achievements and served as a reminder of the people, partnerships, and shared purpose that make The Lundquist Institute’s work possible.
Bringing Legends 2026 to life was a great experience because, from an operational lens, I got to work with all the individuals who create the magic behind the scenes. It’s an honor to carve out these special evenings and remember why it’s important to take pride in our Lundquist community.
Jocelyn Campos, Community Engagement & Events Manager, The Lundquist Institute
As The Lundquist Institute looks toward its 75th anniversary, this year’s honorees reflect its rich history and inspire the discoveries still to come.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Institute extends its sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose generous support made Legends 2026 possible:
- Gold Sponsors: Landegger & Verano, Paycom, Sheppard, Wells Fargo, Windes
- Silver Sponsors: Columbia Bank, ConAm Building Co., Fisher Phillips, Foley & Lardner LLP, HIA, ZGF (Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP)
- Bronze Sponsors: CBIZ, First American, Vectis DC
Help inspire the next generation of Legends by giving today. Your support helps advance the research, innovation, and discoveries that shape healthier futures for our communities and beyond.
Legends 2026 Event Gallery
