Mabel Purkerson, M.D., MN'99

The Edward C. Sweeney Medal is awarded annually to a member of the Club having rendered distinguished services in scientific work and in exploration. The nominee must have exhibited by word and action a profound interest in the welfare and principles of The Explorers Club.

Sweeney Medalist 2010 Biographical Sketch – Mabel L. Purkerson

Mabel Louise Purkerson (MN '99) is awarded The Sweeney Medal for dedication and service to The Explorers Club. Chapter Chair since 2005, she has contributed to building the St. Louis Chapter. At the national level her Committees are: Membership, Legacy Society, Archives and Artifacts and currently Nominating. She strongly supports the Lowell Thomas Building Capital Campaign.

A retired physician-educator, she is Professor Emerita of Medicine at Washington University. Scientific research interests included pioneering studies in renal physiology, notably pathophysiology of the kidney. She has a lifelong interest in nature, wildlife conservation and preservation. A wide experience in world travel has enabled her to learn about other civilizations and observe people living in the places visited – particularly those with environmental needs. She has deep concern that our Planet’s untamed beauty be preserved for future generations. Among her recent contributions to conservation: Lower Zambezi Partnership Park for which she secured funding enabling local tribes to build a fish farm to help natives become self-supporting and appreciators of their natural resources; in St. Louis she obtained funding for the Trailnet/Confluence Cell-Phone Tour of Area Historic Sites. She is a Royal Geographical Society Fellow, American Alpine Club Member, member of numerous professional societies; serves on boards of trustees of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Missouri Historical Society, Opera Theatre St. Louis, and St. Louis Academy of Science.