
Washington University School of Medicine Oral Histories

William H. Danforth Oral History
Interviewer
Sondra Schlesinger, PhD
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Summary
William H. Danforth was interviewed by Sondra Schlesinger on April 24, 2007 for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Scope and Content
This oral history consists of two interviews recorded on April 24, 2007 and June 18, 2007. The interviews were transcribed and edited by the interviewer, Sondra Schlesinger, in 2008. The transcription was corrected and annotated for clarification after additional review by William H. Danforth in 2008
William "Bill" H. Danforth, discusses his life experiences and career beginning with his early education at St. Louis Country Day School during World War II, highlighting his awareness of the war and its impact on his family. Danforth shares his decision to pursue medicine. He recounts his college years at Princeton, his medical education at Harvard, and his subsequent internship at Barnes Hospital. Danforth's military service in the Navy during the Korean War is detailed, including his reflections on the war's impact on his views.
The conversation shifts to his career at Washington University, where he became Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs amid administrative challenges. He discusses his interactions with Edgar Queeny and the resolution of conflicts between the medical school and Barnes Hospital. Danforth reflects on his role in community health initiatives, such as addressing lead poisoning and integrating city hospitals. He shares insights into the establishment of the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, emphasizing collaboration with P. Roy Vagelos and others.
Danforth's reflects on his tenure as Chancellor which was marked by navigating student protests during the Vietnam War era, fostering academic programs, and enhancing student affairs. He highlights significant appointments in addition to Vagelos, such as Ted Foote in the law school and Bob Virgil in the business school, contributing to the university's growth. He also comments on past leadership of the National Institutes of Health and the political process of being considered as NIH director. The interview concludes with Danforth's involvement in the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and his reflections on the stem cell research controversy, underscoring his commitment to scientific advancement and community development.
Biographical Information: Interviewee
William Henry Danforth II earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, then interned at Barnes Hospital. After serving as a physician in the Navy during the Korean War, he joined the medical faculty of Washington University School of Medicine as a cardiologist in 1957. Danforth served as the chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis from 1971 to 1995, when he retired as one of the longest serving chancellors in the country. Danforth is credited with completing Washington University's transition from a local college to a national research university, and for recruiting talented students from around the world.
Biographical Information: Interviewer
Sondra Schlesinger graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1956 and her doctorate in biochemistry in 1960. After postdoctoral training in Italy and Massachusetts Institute of Technology she became an assistant professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in 1964. She became professor of molecular microbiology in 1977. In 2001, she became a professor emeritus. Her research interests first focused on microbial genetics. Later, she redirected her research towards understanding the structure and replication of RNA enveloped viruses. She received a NIH Merit Award, and, in 1997, she was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Interview Date
2007-04-24
Collection Identifier
OH122
Length
Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Restrictions
Users wishing to publish (in whole, or in part) content taken from the audio or transcript of this oral history interview must request, sign, and return a Statement of Use form to the Becker Archives. For detailed information regarding publication and use of this oral history, contact the Becker Archives (arb@wusm.wustl.edu).
Recommended Citation
William H. Danforth Oral History, OH122, Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives, Washington University in St. Louis.
Disclaimer
The Becker Archives provides access to this oral history interview as a record of the past. This interview reflects the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of the interview participants, which may reflect outdated, biased, and offensive views and opinions. The Becker Archives does not endorse the views expressed in this interview, which may contain materials offensive to some users.
