The last full de facto week of E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD, in office as Chair and DEO of the department began with an open house in the MERF Atrium. Members of University of Iowa Health Care, the Carver College of Medicine, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center were invited to say farewell in person. More than 300 RSVPs meant a steady stream of well-wishers stopping by to let him know just what he has meant to them and to the institution. Many paused for a photo or a fist-bump or a sanitized handshake. Snacks were provided for later unmasked consumption.

After the long line of guests had left, Abel opened gifts from the department. Sculptures done by an artist that Abel and his wife had discovered in New Orleans (Our thanks to her for the tip!) and a depiction of the UI Health Care campus created by a local artist and former nurse.

Good-byes of this size are done in stages, and this was one step of many. Our coverage of some of those other stages are forthcoming.