Historic Gift Establishes First-Ever Distinguished Chair in Medicine at HonorHealth

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Historic Gift Establishes First-Ever Distinguished Chair in Medicine
at HonorHealth
Landmark philanthropic investment honors patient-to-donor journey and advances the future of academic medicine in Arizona

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Feb.10, 2026) –HonorHealth Foundation announced today a transformational $5 million philanthropic gift from long-time supporters, John and Pit Lucking, establishing the Lucking Family Distinguished Chair in Medicine—the first for the HonorHealth hospital system. This historic investment represents a major milestone in advancing academic medicine, research and comprehensive, personalized care for the community.

The gift is deeply personal for the Luckings. Years ago, John became an HonorHealth patient following a serious accident while sliding down a glacier in the Antarctic peninsula. He shattered three vertebrae and faced life-altering injuries had his wife, Pit, not made the immediate decision to get him home to Phoenix and straight into the Intensive Care Unit at John C. Lincoln Medical Center.   

The experience—and compassionate care John received—forged a lifelong connection to HonorHealth and its mission. That connection has only deepened through John’s service as a member of HonorHealth Foundation’s Board of Trustees, reflecting commitment that extends far beyond his care journey. Today, that journey comes full circle with a gift that will have an impact on generations of physicians and patients, as well as the community’s future health care leaders from Arizona State University’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering. HonorHealth is the school’s 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, MBA, CFRE. “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.”  

Advancing Excellence in Academic Medicine
Endowed support of this kind enables HonorHealth, working in collaboration with the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, to attract and retain top medical talent, pursue innovative research, and translate discoveries into improved outcomes for patients.

“The establishment of this endowed chair significantly elevates our academic profile and positions HonorHealth as a destination for medical excellence in Arizona,” said Priya Radhakrishnan, MD, FACP 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 Engineering. “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 prestigious and impactful forms of philanthropic support in academic medicine. They also strengthen the training mission. Studies show that endowed chairs create lasting gains in educator credibility, mentoring capacity and program development, underscoring how endowed support improves learning for trainees and care for patients.

Inspiring a Community of Philanthropy
For the Luckings, the decision to establish the chair was guided by gratitude for the care they received and a shared vision for the future of medicine. Their gift is not only a transformational investment in our community, but it will also inspire others to make meaningful commitments to the initiatives shaping the next era of healthcare locally.

“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.”

Investment in the future couldn’t come at a more critical time. Arizona is a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), and the state has only approximately 40% of its primary care needs met, according to the Healthy Arizona Workforce Coalition. Nearly 1,941 new primary care providers will be required by 2030 to avoid a worsening healthcare gap.

The affiliation between HonorHealth and the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering creates a pathway to leadership and discovery that will build a sustainable solution for healthcare access. It’s a strategic commitment to grow talent locally, while improving health outcomes statewide. Through HonorHealth’s Patrons of Promise initiative—an endowed chair matching challenge aimed at supporting academic medicine—this vision is powered by philanthropic leaders who believe in transforming healthcare for future generations.

“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.”

The Lucking Distinguished Chair will be formally recognized in the near future as academic and hospital leadership identify a talented individual who understands the future of health care and also the needs of Arizona and its communities.

About HonorHealth Foundation
HonorHealth Foundation works to strengthen and advance the mission of HonorHealth through philanthropy. With support from donors, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, provides vital resources for our most vulnerable neighbors and brings advanced technologies and treatments to our patients.  Learn more at HonorHealth.com/foundation.