The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) has made tremendous strides over the past two decades in the battle against cancer, largely thanks to the exceptional leadership of Kevin J. Cullen, MD. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope and a model for cancer centers worldwide.
Dr. Cullen’s unwavering commitment and focused vision as director were instrumental in creating a top-tiered cancer center recognized for innovative research and groundbreaking treatments. Dr. Cullen attributes the center’s success to the hard work of a passionate team and the invaluable support of philanthropy. His conviction is evident in his personal giving to the cancer center. As a vital thread in the center’s evolutionary fabric, philanthropy has directly impacted the lives of countless patients and transformed the future of cancer research and treatment.
The center’s founding gift in 1996 from Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum and the subsequent gift from Roslyn and Leonard Stoler for the Stoler Pavilion were the driving force behind UMGCCC’s evolution. Since then, philanthropic gifts have been critical in funding professorships, new projects, and innovative research, laying the foundation for NCI designation. “Our donors have supported us every step of the way,” Dr. Cullen said.
“Without our many incredible supporters through the years, we wouldn’t have a cancer center program; we wouldn’t have an NCI designation; we wouldn’t attract and retain the best faculty physicians.”
UMGCCC’s NCI comprehensive designation symbolizes its rigorous standards for state-of-the-art research across medical disciplines focused on new and better approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. This prestigious designation not only acknowledges its scientific leadership and resources but also the added depth and breadth to its research in primary, clinical, and prevention, cancer control, and population science. UMGCCC is one of only 56 cancer centers nationwide to hold this elite designation, a testament to its significant contribution to cancer research and treatment. “It is an affirmation by our peers of our collective excellence and impact on cancer,” Dr. Cullen said. “The research we’ve done here has had a tremendous impact on breast cancer, leukemia, esophageal cancer, you name it.”
Michael Greenebaum, president of Greenebaum Enterprises, chair of the UMSOM Board of Visitors, member of the UMGCCC Board of Advisors, and son of Marlene and Stewart, shared, “Seeing the cancer center reach the highest echelon under the leadership of Dr. Cullen was truly a dream come true for my Mom and Dad. Our family is deeply grateful to him, both professionally and personally.”
Philanthropist Barry Stoler, president of Len Stoler Automotive, chair of the UMGCCC Board of Advisors, and son of Roslyn and Leonard, shared a similar perspective. “Dr. Cullen’s unwavering vision and dedication have played an instrumental role in developing a world-class cancer center primed for even greater milestones that will significantly impact people’s lives across the state, the country, and the world.”
Dr. Cullen looks forward to the center’s next growth phase under Executive Director Dr. Taofeek K. Owonikoko, an internationally recognized thoracic oncologist who previously served at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “Dr. Owonikoko is a superb clinician-scientist with extensive leadership experience,” Dr. Cullen said. “I know the cancer center will thrive under his direction.”
In 2026, UMGCCC will move into a new state-of-theart facility, the Roslyn and Leonard Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine. This facility will double its footprint and help advance cancer treatment. The Building for Life campaign, initiated by the Stolers’ naming gift, has become the most successful fundraising campaign in the history of the University of Maryland Medical Center. Each contribution to this campaign will make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Cullen acknowledges he will miss the day-to-day personal interactions with team members that being the director afforded him. Still, he will continue to make a difference as a UMGCCC professor and physician. He will also have more time to travel and explore his passion for board service, allowing him to influence policy and guide institutions. “I’ve had a wonderful 20 years, but I’m looking forward to this next chapter,” Dr. Cullen shared.
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