CMMRF Timeline
Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation
C.M.M.R.F.
is the charity of the
General Grand Council of
Cryptic Masons, International
Our Incorporation
March 6, 1986
The Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation, (CMMRF), was incorporated in the state of Oklahoma, driven by Most Puissant General Grand Master Ben Mandlebaum, of the General Grand Council, Cryptic Masons International.
Endowed Chair Established at IU
February 1, 1996
The CMMRF Board of Trustees agreed to fund a Chair at the Indiana University Medical Center at the cost of $1 million. The Foundation agrees to contribute $200,000/year for five years to endow the chair. As an incentive, the university offered to guarantee a 5% income on the endowment plus matching it with a 5% payout from the endowment.
Dr. Keith L. March, Inaugural Chair
February 28, 1999
Early in 1999, Keith L. March, M.D., PhD., was named the first holder of the newly endowed CMMRF Chair.
IU Endowed Chair Funded
December 1, 2000
The final $200,000 payment was made in December 2000 to fund the Chair at Indiana University.
CMMRF Lab Rebranding Strategy
May 28, 2002
The laboratory sponsored by CMMRF was rebranded as the Indiana Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine (ICVBM). This new program and the creation of an endowed chair drew more than $2,000,000 in additional funding for the program from non-Masonic sources.
$300,000 Donation in 2007
June 1, 2007
In 2007, a non-Masonic benefactor challenged CMMRF to match his $50,000 donation to the Indiana Center of Vascular Biology and Medicine. By meeting his challenge, CMMRF contributed $300,000 to ICVBM in 2007.
Single Donation Makes Big Progress
August 28, 2008
In 2008, a Cryptic Mason donated $20,000 which CMMRF matched and enabled Cryptic Masons to give $240,000 to ICVBM for research in 2008. Today, upon request, CMMRF will match $5,000 donations, up to $25,000.
ICVBM selected to join CCTRN
April 1, 2012
The IU center was tapped to join the Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network (CCTRN), funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Founding Exec. Secretary Retires
October 28, 2012
Marion K. Crum, Past Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council, Cryptic Masons of Indiana, retires from service as the first CMMRF Executive Secretary after serving almost 27 years.
CMMRF Donations Exceed $3M
December 5, 2013
After providing $200,000 in support to the Indiana University ICVBM in 2013, CMMRF had an aggregated commitment of more than $3,000,000.
Dr. Michael Murphy, Chair
July 17, 2018
Dr. Michael P. Murphy selected as the next holder of the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation Chair.
CMMRF Donations reach $5M to fund research for ICVBM
December 31, 2019
By the end of 2019 we have cumulatively given ICVBM / IU $5 million dollars to fund research.
Marion Crum Fellowship
December 1, 2023
Established 2023
The Marion Crum Fellow in Vascular Biology: Dr. Mackenzie L. Madison
February 21, 2024
Dr. Mackenzie Madison 1st recipient