Staff Reports | Community Updates
HonorHealth Foundation has announced a $5 million philanthropic gift from long‑time supporters John and Pit Lucking, establishing the Lucking Family Distinguished Chair in Medicine, the first endowed chair in the HonorHealth system.
The contribution marks a milestone in advancing academic medicine, research and personalized care for the community, according to a press release.
The gift is deeply personal for the Luckings. Years ago, Mr. Lucking became an HonorHealth patient after a serious accident while sliding down a glacier on the Antarctic peninsula. He shattered three vertebrae and faced potentially life‑altering injuries had Ms. Lucking not quickly arranged for him to be transported home to Phoenix and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at John C. Lincoln Medical Center.
The experience — and the compassionate care Mr. Lucking received — created a lasting connection to HonorHealth. That connection grew through his service on HonorHealth Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The new endowed chair, foundation leaders say, will support future physicians, researchers and learners, including those from Arizona State University’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, for which HonorHealth is the primary clinical affiliate.
“This incredible gift is a powerful reflection of John and Pit Lucking’s enduring commitment to HonorHealth and the communities we serve,” said HonorHealth Foundation President and CEO Jared Langkilde. “By establishing our first endowed chair, they are shaping a lasting legacy in academic medicine and inspiring others to invest in future innovation. We are truly thankful for their trust and generosity, and for sharing our vision for what’s possible when philanthropy and medicine unite.”
Supporting excellence in academic medicine
The endowed chair will help HonorHealth, in partnership with the ASU School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, recruit and retain medical talent, pursue research and advance clinical practices.
“The establishment of this endowed chair significantly elevates our academic profile and positions HonorHealth as a destination for medical excellence in Arizona,” said Dr. Priya Radhakrishnan, MD, who serves as HonorHealth vice president and chief academic officer and vice dean for Clinical Affairs & GME for the ASU John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineerin “It strengthens our ability to serve as a hub for leading-edge research and clinical practice, bringing together top talent and collaboration in ways that will benefit patients and communities across the state.”
Endowed chairs are among the most impactful forms of philanthropic support in medicine. Research shows that endowed positions can support educator credibility, mentoring and program development, ultimately improving training and patient care.
Inspiring community investment
For the Luckings, the gift reflects gratitude for the care they received and a desire to support the future of medicine in Arizona. HonorHealth leaders say the donation is expected to encourage others to invest in academic medicine and innovation.
“Our support of this endowed chair is rooted in a deep belief and appreciation for the people and the mission of HonorHealth — we got to experience this firsthand,” the Luckings said. “We hope the immediate impact of this investment helps strengthen our medical community and empowers others to join us in writing the next chapter for healthcare in Arizona. When we invest as a community in innovation and care, the impact stretches far beyond what one gift alone can achieve. That is what makes this moment most meaningful for our family.”
Arizona is a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area, and the state currently meets only about 40% of its primary care needs. Projections indicate that nearly 1,941 new primary care providers will be required by 2030 to prevent a worsening shortage.
The affiliation between HonorHealth and the ASU School of Medicine and Medical Engineering aims to address that gap by building a medical workforce pipeline rooted in academic excellence, clinical training and community engagement. Through HonorHealth’s Patrons of Promise initiative, an endowed chair matching challenge, philanthropic leaders can help accelerate this vision.
“It has been an honor to work alongside John and Pit Lucking for so many years, and today, to bring their vision to life,” said HonorHealth Foundation Senior Vice President of Major Gifts Ashleigh Leite. “Their leadership and generosity set a powerful standard, and they are lighting the way for others to join in building a healthier, more innovative future for all.”
