The William Clippert Gorenflo Research Award was established by Daniel W. Gorenflo, Ph.D., research investigator in the Department of Family Medicine, in honor and memory of his father who died in 2004 at the age of 83.

William C. Gorenflo graduated from the University of Michigan in 1947 after serving as a forward observer with the 12th Marines, Third Division, during liberation of Guam and Guadalcanal. His comrades remember him as "cool under fire." A popular Marine expression applied to his last days: "Falling back from a better place to advance from."

Born in Detroit, Mr. Gorenflo was the youngest son of a prominent Detroit family (Dr. August and Hattie Clippert Gorenflo). In addition to living in Detroit, he also lived at the family farm, "Cherry Beach," along the St. Clair River in Marine City. As a young man he was athletic, lettering in football, basketball, and track.

Although his plans for a career in medicine were interrupted by WW II, he did receive his bachelor's degree from University of Michigan.

He ended up working for many years at the J.L. Hudson Company as a buyer and import manager, often traveling to Europe to import the newest men's attire.

William C. Gorenflo loved boating, instilling a love of northern Michigan in his children, who will always enjoy happy memories of summers spent on Elk Lake. His family will remember him for his integrity, strength, intense loyalty, patriotism, unwavering support and unconditional love.

Because of his love for the University of Michigan and interest in medicine, Mr. Gorenflo donated his body to the University of Michigan Anatomical Donations Program.

The William Clippert Gorenflo Research Award is awarded to a medical student or resident who is doing research with a family medicine clinical or research faculty member. This unique award provides incentive and rewards passion and enthusiasm for research.