NSU Horizons Spring 2014

10 HORIZONS Nova University was just a few years old when a group of forward-thinking Broward County women saw a way to help the fledgling university boost its research with the founding of the Royal Dames of Nova. The group was renamed the Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc. in 1969 to raise funds for cancer research being conducted at the Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Inc. The Goodwin Institute later was renamed the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, which then became a part of Nova South- eastern University. That association is still going strong as NSU celebrates its 50th anniversary and the Royal Dames enters its 45th year of supporting cancer research at the institute. This year, the Royal Dames members were recognized for con- tributions totaling more than $1 million to NSU. The group’s name was added to NSU’s presti- gious Shark Circle on the Fellows Way monument. (See page 38.) Dur- ing the Celebration of Excellence, the group also was presented with a replica of sculptor Kent Ullberg’s mako shark, which is the center- piece of the shark fountain located in front of the Don Taft University Center on NSU’s main campus. Accolades for their work are appreciated, say the members. But the contributions made to cancer research are more important. The group’s support has been instrumental in the discovery and development of two new anti-angiogenic cancer drugs at the institute that received U.S. patent approval in 2011. In addition, the money the Royal Dames raises is crucial for training and educating numerous under- graduate and graduate students to conduct cancer research. “The Royal Dames members have been wonderful in their support for the drug discovery efforts that are happening [at the institute],” said Appu Rathinavelu, Ph.D., executive director of NSU’s Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research and associate dean, institutional planning and devel- opment, at NSU’s College of Pharmacy. “Their generosity and care for human life is the key for providing the most essential financial strength, energy, and enthusiasm that drive our research efforts to fight cancer, one of the deadliest diseases known to mankind,” added Rathinavelu. “We want to help find a cure for cancer—it’s that simple,” said Nell McMillan Lewis, Ed.D., a member of the Royal Dames for more than 25 years. She has served as president and secretary, among other leadership roles. “It takes a lot of money to fund research, which is a long, ongoing process. The money we raise can only be used to support the research and educational programs at the institute,” added Lewis, who also sits on NSU’s Board of Trustees. Membership in the Royal Dames is by invitation only; it is capped at 100 active members and another 50 or so lifetime members. Each member pledges $2,500 for a life mem- bership. One of the moving forces behind the group’s inception was the late Theresa Castro, whose family owned Castro Convertible Sofas. Being asked to join is an honor that its members cherish. Rhonda Ritchie Aslaksen, a video producer and writer whose clients include NSU, said she saw her Royal Dames membership invitation four years ago as a way to show her appreciation to the university. “I have had such a long and wonderful relationship with NSU. When the opportunity to join came, it gave me a chance to give back to NSU, as well as support the institute,” said Ritchie Aslaksen, vice president of ways and means for the Royal Dames’ board of trustees. “It’s rewarding to know that meaningful research is being conducted right here in Broward and that our group can impact that.” By Oline H. Cogdill In this vintage photo from 1970, Theresa Castro, who was one of the moving forces behind the Royal Dames’ inception, presents Leo Goodwin Sr. with a plaque to commemorate his work as a philanthropist. around nsu Royal Dames supports cancer research