I have been acquainted with friends and members of the Krug family for a long time. Paula Krug attended Southport High School and graduated a couple of years behind me. We were friends for many years, and I have very fond memories of visiting with her and her husband. Paula now lives in Florida and I keep in touch with her by phone.
Edward Krug graduated from Southport High School in 1971. When he was 12 years old, his parents died. He then lived with his sister and brother-in-law. His brother and sisters affectionately nicknamed him “Little Eddie.” He has the last laugh on them because he grew to six feet, seven inches. He towers over his sisters but sees eye-to-eye with his brother.
Eddie has always been a hard worker. At age 14 years, he would ride his bicycle to Boyden’s Bakery at 3:30 a.m., where he worked during the summer. It was a miracle that he made it to and from work without being in an accident on busy Southside streets. Two years later, he went to work at the Thrifty Corner gas station until he graduated from high school.
After graduation he was a work-study student with Pillsbury in Terre Haute where he studied at Indiana State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He later received a PhD in bio-chemistry at Purdue and did his post-doctoral studies in regenerative medicine at Texas Tech University.
Dr. Krug became a professor of regenerative medicine and cell biology at the Medical University of South Carolina. He also served there as Associate Dean of Postdoctoral Affairs with oversight of 200 scholars and staff scientists.
He also has served on numerous advisory boards, research committees and as a mentor. His office door was open to anyone who needed help, including immigrants who were having difficulty adapting to American ways. He is described as a true proponent of postdocs in transition from student to independence.
In April, Dr. Krug was awarded the NPA Garnett-Powers & Associates, Inc. National Mentor Award at the National Postdoctoral Association convention. The association is dedicated to supporting new researchers through innovative practices. The former Southsider who learned the value of hard work is very deserving of the national award.
He retired in May and travels with his wife Marilyn in a camper throughout the U.S. She took time to send me a copy of an article about her husband receiving the award that was very informative.
It just proves that getting started as a youth working in a bakery or gas station can begin a path to tremendous success.
Congratulations to Dr. Krug on your tremendous career; now enjoy your retirement.