The Golden Prostate Award

History

Dr. Douglas McNeel, an active member of the scientific community, upholds an annual tradition of hosting a Christmas celebration at his residence. The event is a festive gathering for lab members and their families, featuring a meticulously prepared feast courtesy of Dr. McNeel. Following the meal, the evening transitions into an award ceremony, a hallmark of the occasion.

No celebration is deemed complete without the unveiling of Doug's exquisite wine cellar and a captivating showcase of his impressive pipe organ. As integral elements of the festivities, these components elevate the Christmas celebration hosted by Dr. McNeel to an unparalleled level of sophistication and entertainment.

Adding a musical crescendo to the evening, the resonant tones of the pipe organ fill the air, enchanting attendees with a captivating performance. The juxtaposition of the refined wine cellar and the melodic strains of the pipe organ creates an ambiance that transcends the ordinary, making Dr. McNeel's Christmas celebration a truly extraordinary and multisensory experience.

One distinctive accolade presented each year is the "Golden Prostate Award," affectionately known as GPA. This award, conceived by Dr. McNeel, serves as a token of gratitude for the dedication and contributions of a selected lab member. The choice of a golden hue aligns with the lab's research focus on prostate cancer. To create the physical representation of the award, Dr. McNeel ingeniously spray paints walnuts, approximating the size of a human prostate, adding a unique and whimsical touch to the recognition process.

Criteria

Dr. McNeel annually solicits votes from all lab members to democratically determine the deserving recipient of the Golden Prostate Award (GPA). However, in a curious turn of events, he ultimately exercises his personal discretion, veering away from the popular vote to handpick an individual of his preference for the prestigious accolade. This peculiar decision-making process adds an element of unpredictability to the otherwise routine award selection, leaving lab members both intrigued and, at times, puzzled by the final choice.

Recent History

In recent times, Dr. McNeel's annual Christmas celebrations have evolved into extravagant affairs, marked by elaborate themes and grandeur. Driven by a penchant for creativity, he not only orchestrates a feast with a carefully chosen cuisine but also imparts a thematic flair to the Golden Prostate Award (GPA) each year.

The festivities now encompass a fusion of culinary experiences as Dr. McNeel selects a specific cuisine to grace the dining tables, delighting attendees with a gastronomic journey. Simultaneously, the GPA takes on a thematic persona, transforming into a symbol that aligns with the overarching theme of the celebration. This dual thematic approach adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to the event, turning it into a memorable and immersive experience for all those in attendance. 

Award Gallery and List of Winners