Kansas University has been awarded a $1 million gift designed to fund a statewide medical director for the KU Cancer Center.

Capitol Federal Foundation of Topeka made the contribution to KU Endowment to create the Capitol Federal Masonic Distinguished Professorship in Cancer.

The Capitol Federal Foundation, KU Endowment and the Kansas Masonic Foundation announced the creation of the professorship at a ceremony Wednesday in Topeka.

“This is a significant demonstration of Capitol Federal’s commitment to Kansas,” said Jeff Sowder, president of Kansas Masonic Foundation. “In addition, this speaks to how important the KU Cancer Center is to the care of Kansas residents.”

The professorship counts toward the $15 million goal of the Kansas Masonic Foundation’s Partnership for Life fundraising campaign. The campaign has raised more than $8.5 million.

It supports cancer research at KU and will assist the KU Cancer Center in its goal to achieve designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute.

The statewide medical director will report to the KU Cancer Center director, Roy Jensen. The medical director will be responsible for the comprehensive statewide cancer strategy.