A University professor received the Nobel Prize in the category of "Physiology or Medicine" Monday.

The Nobel Assembly awarded the prize to Paul C. Lauterbur, professor in the center for advanced studies. He shares the award with Sir Peter Mansfield of the University of Nottingham in England.

They received the award for their discoveries concerning magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), which represented a breakthrough in medical diagnostics, according to a press release issued by the Nobel Assembly on Monday.

"It shows I was not entirely wasting my time for a quarter of a century," Lauterbur said. "It's one of the world's greatest pats on the back."

University Chancellor Nancy Cantor expressed her pride in Lauterbur.

"This is just an extraordinary event for the power of science," she said. "He cares about changing the quality of health and life for our nation, and he finds a perfect combination of research and education."

Cantor spoke at a reception held Monday afternoon in honor of Lauterbur's achievement. Lauterbur also spoke at the event.

"(The Nobel Assembly) would have never considered giving me this prize without the work of many other people," he said.

Debbie McCall, Lauterbur's administrative assistant for almost 15 years, was there to congratulate him.

"He's very personable, easygoing, and just a perfect guy to work for," McCall said. "He'd drop anything to help a student."

Lauterbur echoed her statement when talking about the benefits of receiving this award.

"I just hope this will somehow help out undergraduate students presently in my class," he said.

Cantor spoke of his connection with students.

"You can see the excitement in his eye," she said. "He really cares about the next generation of people."

Lauterbur is the eighth University faculty member to receive a Nobel Prize, said University spokeswoman Robin Kaler. Eleven University alumni have also received the prize.