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We the undersigned, who have ourselves led and/or are now leading major cancer centers in the United States, wish to express our wholehearted and complete support of Mary Beckerle, director and leader of the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah.

All of us have known Beckerle well over the years and admire her as an effective leader with the highest integrity. Many of us have served with her in national and international organizations, including ORIEN, an alliance of cancer centers promoting collaborative learning through partnerships. We consider her to be not only a highly accomplished scientist but also a visionary leader who promotes and supports cancer research with the selfless intent of contributing to the prevention and cure of cancer.

Most importantly, we know Beckerle to be a giving individual who leads by promoting the success of others, especially cancer researchers and others who contribute to the mission of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The apparent sudden removal of Beckerle in her role as center director gave us great concern about the well-being of the institution and those who serve it.

In our opinion, Beckerle has represented the Huntsman Cancer Institute with dignity and has in fact led the center to become one of the most highly regarded cancer centers in the United States. With these thoughts in mind we support the movement to reappoint Beckerle as director and overall leader of the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Thomas A. Sellers, PhD

Tampa, FL

Steven T. Rosen, MD

Duarte, CA

Michael Caligiuri, MD

Columbus, OH

Thomas P. Loughran Jr., MD

Charlottesville, VA

Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD

Aurora, CO

Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS

New Brunswick, NJ

William S. Dalton, MD, PhD

Tampa, FL

Christopher Amos, PhD

Lebanon, NH

Cheryl L. Willman, MD

Albuquerque, NM

Walter J. Curran, Jr., MD, FACR

Atlanta, GA

George J. Weiner, MD

Iowa City, IA