Marshall Rennels in 1986

Dr. Marshall Rennels, a distinguished research scientist and devoted teacher at Maryland from 1966 to 2002, died on October 30, 2004. He was 65.

Born in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, Dr. Rennels graduated cum laude from Eastern Illinois University with a major in zoology. He received a master’s degree in anatomy from the University of Texas at Galveston in 1964 and a doctorate in anatomy there in 1966.

Dr. Rennels joined Maryland’s faculty in the fall of 1966 as research associate and assistant professor of anatomy. Three years later he added the title of assistant professor of neurology, and he was promoted to asso-ciate professor in 1971. He became full professor of anatomy in 1979. Other appointments included director of Maryland’s MD/PhD program from 1989 to 1996, and acting chairman of the department of anatomy from 1990 until the arrival of Dr. Michael T. Shipley in 1994. He was a member of the Maryland State Anatomy Board and for a few years served as its acting chairman.

His groundbreaking research explained how the
body uses the pulsation of arteries to force spinal fluid through brain tissue. Colleagues remember Dr. Rennels for his wry sense of humor and his gift for teaching. “He’d stand in front of a class of 150 students, and there was an electricity, an intensity, some indefinable thing that allowed the information to flow from him to the students,” recalls J. Tyson Tildon, PhD, a friend and colleague.
“Dr. Rennels was one of the pillars of our basic science faculty, contributing mightily to his field of neuroscience as well as to this institution,” remarked SOM dean Donald E. Wilson at a memorial service held on campus.

Dr. Rennels was one of the most decorated teachers in the history of the school. He was a ten-time recipient of The Golden Apple, an award given by the freshman class to their favorite teacher, considered among the faculty to be the top teaching honor. Dr. Rennels also received the student council faculty teaching award 18 times. In 1996, he was honored with
the university’s inaugural Founders Day Award for teaching.

The alumni office received several emails following the announcement of his passing. “A gifted professor,” wrote Allison George, ’99.

Another note from Burton J. Glass, ’71, stated: “I owe Dr. Rennels a debt of gratitude, and I will remember him with both reverence and respect.” Several referred to Dr. Rennels as a “dynamic teacher,” “one of my favorites,” and “a good guy.”

In addition to Dr. Wilson, invited speakers of the November 17 memorial service at Westminster Hall included Drs. Larry Anderson, Charles Barrett, Brad Alger, Leslie Emmerty-Buck, ’99, as well as L. Bradley Baker, Jacques T. Baker Jr., and Baltimore Sun two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Franklin. The service was officiated by Dr. Shipley.

Dr. Rennels is survived by wife Margaret, ’73, professor of pediatrics and clinical director of infectious disease and tropical pediatrics at Maryland. The Rennels’ made their home in Elkridge, Maryland.