Austin American Statesman, June 11, 2007 AUSTIN -- Austin surgeon Robert E. Askew Sr. was recently chosen by the University of Texas Medical Branch to receive its highest alumni award at a ceremony and reception in Galveston. He also was honored by the Austin-based Shivers Cancer Foundation, which established a $500,000 endowed chair in his name. Askew, a 1959 UTMB School of Medicine graduate, served as chief of staff and chief of surgery at Austin's Seton Medical Center.  He also has presided over the Travis County Medical Society, the Ellis County Medical Society, the UTMB Singleton Surgical Society, the Texas Surgical Society and the South Texas Division of the American College of Surgeons.