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Honoring the beloved 'Cookie' Jacobsen

Ellen Townley Cook Jacobsen, MD, ‘50 (1919-2013)

Ellen Townley Cook Jacobsen, MD, ‘50 (1919-2013)


On Wednesday, November 12 at 3 p.m., Ellen Cook "Cookie" Jacobsen MD and her husband Carlyle "Jake"  Jacobsen PhD will he honored at a dedication ceremony, held in Upstate's medical alumni lounge, Weiskotten Hall, 766 Irving Ave., Syracuse.

Jake was president of Upstate Medical University from 1957 to 1965. Cookie was a 1950 graduate of the medical school and the first woman faculty member of the College of Medicine. (She retired as a full professor of medicine and psychiatry. )

Together, Cookie and Jake worked to promote academic excellence and a strong sense of community during a period of exceptional growth at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Even after her husband‘s death in 1974, Cookie was referred to as the matriarch of Upstate.  She was a wise counselor to colleagues, deans and university presidents. Few students, residents or clinicians have not benefited from her insight and wisdom.

Cookie‘s life was defined by complete selflessness, fierce loyalty, unparalleled listening skills, and lifelong intellectual curiosity. She always had time to help a friend, patient, or colleague and had a special gift for nurturing trusting relationships with people of all ages and ethnicities. She made such extensive contributions to so many people's lives that saying she is enormously missed is an understatement.

The Upstate community and friends are invited to the dedication of the Carlyle and Ellen Cook Jacobsen Foyer and the establishment of the SUNY Upstate Medical Univerity Archives. Contact Nancy Prott, 315.464.4513, prottn@upstate.edu for more information.
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