UI alumni Bob Whitmore and Molly Osterhaus Whitmore gave a $1 million donation to continue the work of UI Professor Emeritus Ignacio Ponseti worldwide.

Bob Whitmore graduated from the UI in 1986, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and Molly Whitmore graduated in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Their gift will fund the UI Ponseti International Association, in the hopes of carrying on the Ponseti method — which helps cure children with clubfoot — in the poorest countries of the world.

Ponseti is known worldwide for his discovery of a revolutionary way for treating clubfoot. His method excludes the option of surgery, and can be performed by a variety of health-care professionals.

Ponseti joined the UI orthopedic staff in 1944. He died on Oct. 18 at the age of 95.

A celebration of Ponseti’s life will be held at the Coralville Marriott on Dec. 6 beginning at 3 p.m. Everyone who has been touched by Ponseti is welcome to join.

— by Nicole Karlis