Dr. Edward Benzel, a member of the AASP Academy Council and well-known spine surgeon from the Cleveland Clinic, served as visiting professor at the University of Illinois. His lectures encompassed the field of spinal biomechanics and were attended by persons interested in spine problems, biomechanics and the clinical neurosciences. His stay at the University of Illinois increased interest in all of those persons trying to understand the spine and help patients with spine disorders.