Goldenberg appointed inaugural Kristen Olewine Milke Professor in Otolaryngology
Harrisburg businesswoman and philanthropist Kristen Olewine Milke has established a new endowed faculty position at Penn State College of Medicine, the Kristen Olewine Milke Professorship in Otolaryngology, to enrich academic excellence, clinical innovation and leadership within the College of Medicine and Penn State Health. David Goldenberg, MD, chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and vice president of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery services for Penn State Health, has been named the inaugural holder of the professorship.
“The gift of this professorship reflects Ms. Milke’s long-standing commitment to improving health care and supporting medical education and research in Pennsylvania,” said Karen Kim, MD, MS, dean of the College of Medicine. “I am deeply grateful for her philanthropic impact that extends across the College and Penn State Health, enhancing the lives of our students, faculty, staff and many patients and their loved ones.”
Milke also established the Dr. Lindsey T. Surace Medical Student Scholarship in 2018, and the Kristen Olewine Milke CARE Center at Penn State Cancer Institute was named and dedicated in 2024 in honor of her leadership support. She has been a dedicated Penn State volunteer since 2015.
As a nationally respected clinician and academic leader, Dr. Goldenberg has played a central role in advancing patient care, education and research in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. He serves the College and Penn State Health in multiple capacities, including overseeing otolaryngology services across the health system.
“I am very grateful to Kris,” said Dr. Goldenberg. “Her extraordinary generosity will help us today and into the future. There is intense demand for more research focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of head and neck tumors. Kris’s gift provides the resources to explore novel approaches and therapies, support the development of promising students and trainees in the field, and advance our outreach to the people of our community and beyond.”
“I am so pleased to see Dr. Goldenberg appointed to the professorship,” said Milke. “His leadership and expertise help set Penn State apart in the field of otolaryngology. I know we are lucky to have him in our region, and if I can in some way help advance the work he and his team are doing, it my distinct honor to do so.”
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