Edward A. Wayne Medal

The Edward A. Wayne Medal was established in 1971 to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions or provided exemplary services to Virginia Commonwealth University. Awarded by the president at Commencement, the medal is named in honor of Edward A. Wayne, who was chairman of the commission that led to the establishment of Virginia Commonwealth University in 1968 by the Virginia General Assembly. Mr. Wayne served as the university's first vice rector.

Recipients

Gilbert Rosenthal joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School and served until 1946 when he was discharged as a lieutenant junior grade. While in the Navy, he earned college credits toward an undergraduate degree, which he completed in 1947 at the University of Richmond. In 1999, the University of Richmond awarded him an honorary doctor of laws degree. Fannie Rosenthal attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo.

Mr. Rosenthal joined his family's business, Standard Drug Company, in 1947. In 1976, he became chief executive officer and served in that role until 1993, when the company was sold. At that time, the company operated 60 stories in Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The Rosenthals have been active in the community for more than five decades. Mrs. Rosenthal served as a volunteer and board member for many years at Retreat Hospital. She is currently on the board of the Memorial Child Guidance Clinic Foundation, where she just completed a term as president. She also spent many years in volunteer roles at Congregation Beth Ahabah.

Mr. Rosenthal currently is a member of the boards of Sheltering Arms Foundation, the Garland Gray Foundation, the Community Foundation, the Virginia Endowment for the Jewish Aged, and the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation. In addition, he serves on investment committees of the Jenkins Foundation and the Westminster Canterbury Foundation and is chairman of the Congregation Beth Ahabah Board of Trustees.

Mr. Rosenthal served a term as president of Congregation Beth Ahabah and was a founding member of the boards of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and Richmond Renaissance. He also served for many years on the boards of Jefferson Bankshares, American Filtrona and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

The Rosenthals have been equally active with Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1994, they established the Brooks Lower Lectureship and in 2002, the Lower Legacy Professorship. In 2000, they created a medical oncology fund at the VCU Massey Cancer Center in honor of Dr. Thomas J. Smith. They also have established student scholarships in the School of Pharmacy and other VCU departments. From 1990 to 1993, Mr. Rosenthal served on the School of Pharmacy Advisory Board.