A Partnership and a Legacy

Michael Pulman, PhD, University of California, Berkeley, and Eric Lindstrom, MD, School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, wanted to make an impact on the study of human sexuality in ways not possible in decades past. Now, through a $3 million bequest, they are making that difference at the University of Denver.

“This gift is important, not only academically. It also helps us advance the cultural environment at DU as our community engages more and more intentionally in conversations around gender and sexuality, as well as other issues of identity,” says Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “Our conversations are enriched when we can view the experiences of ourselves and others through the lenses of history and science and other subjects. This gift will have a lasting impact on DU.”

With their gift, the couple is creating an interdisciplinary chair—an endowment—in the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences to focus on human sexuality, and in particular, the cultural impact of LGBTQ individuals. The academic’s work could involve research and studies in history, arts, literatures or many other connected fields in the humanities and social sciences. As Michael and Eric say, many contributions by LGBTQ individuals throughout history have, until recently, gone unrecognized.

“We believe our investment in DU will provide the platform for studying artists and others, living and dead, whose sexuality has been central to their driving force and their path to achievement for the betterment of humanity,” the couple says.

The two have enjoyed long-standing and meaningful connections to DU: Michael was a professor of history from 1971 to 1991—an experience he counts among the greatest in his life—and Eric has a three-year association with the Lamont School of Music through his avocation as a jazz musician.

Like Michael and Eric, you can provide for future DU students and support what matters most to you. To learn more, contact Jon Kraus at 303.871.4619 or jon.kraus@du.edu.