April 2013

Hilfiker Enriches Humanities with Leadership Support

Longtime Trustee Alan Hilfiker ’60 was the first in his family to attend college. With the help of a generous scholarship, he enjoyed a positive and enriching experience at the University. And when he graduated, he aspired to “repay” the University for all he had gained.

Hilfiker realized a lifetime goal when he made a significant gift that created the Alan F. Hilfiker Distinguished Professorship in English. He has also committed additional funds to the existing Alan F. Hilfiker Endowed Graduate Scholarship Fund, which helps students pursue academic careers of distinction in English, and the Alan F. Hilfiker Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship Fund, for first-generation college students who plan to study English or the humanities.

“The University has long benefited from Alan's engagement, vision, and generosity. He is one of our most active alumni and someone who genuinely values the richness that the humanities can bring to our lives,” said President Joel Seligman. “This gift will not only enhance scholarship in the field of English, but also allow a new generation of students to fall in love with literature, the way he did as an undergraduate student at Rochester.”

Hilfiker's commitment contributes to two top priorities of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester—faculty and student support. Combined, these two goals account for almost half of the overall $1.2 billion Campaign goal, at $350 million and $225 million, respectively. These goals are being achieved primarily through the establishment of new professorships, scholarships, and fellowships.

“I'm hopeful that through these efforts, the University and English Department will continue to inspire through research and excellent teaching,” said Hilfiker. “It's a privilege and a pleasure to be able to contribute in my small way to a department that enriched my life. I am a very proud and grateful alumnus.”

Born and raised in Rochester, Hilfiker is a founding partner of Garlick, Hilfiker & Swift, LLP, a law firm in Naples, Fla. He remains closely engaged with the University as a generous supporter of scholarship initiatives, as well as the Alan F. Hilfiker Gallery in the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation in Rush Rhees Library. He and his wife, Carol Hilfiker ’60W, are Charter Members of the George Eastman Circle. They live in Naples and have three children and nine grandchildren.

For more information on Alan Hilfiker and this gift, click here.

Values and Action

During the month of April, we celebrated faculty excellence in the medical field at the installation ceremonies for Michael P. Eaton, M.D., as the inaugural Denham S. Ward, MD, PhD Professor and Theodore Brown, Ph.D., as the inaugural Charles E. and Dale L. Phelps Professor in Public Health and Policy. These distinctive events connected two exceptional professors with generous and visionary donors who created their positions. These academic leaders provide critical guidance through their contributions to the University. I am grateful we have had the opportunity to do this so often throughout this Campaign. 

The annual Celebration of Scholarships dinner turned our focus to some of the incredibly bright and talented men and women attending the University. Thanks to the support of alumni, parents, and friends, these students have the opportunity to become leaders in the fields they choose to pursue. Your gifts ensure Rochester remains a place where those with tremendous potential can thrive and lead, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Just as endowed professorships are leading the progress toward our Campaign’s Faculty Support goal, scholarships and fellowships are the driving force in the pursuit of our Student Support goal of $225 million. A new initiative that will aid the effort of obtaining current-use funds for students is the George Eastman Circle Scholarship program. I encourage you to learn more about how you can use a George Eastman Circle membership to provide support to students in need by visiting the Campaign Web site.

Meliora!

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

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Eaton Installed as the Inaugural Ward Professor

From left, President Joel Seligman, Bradford C. Berk ’81M (MD), ’81M (PhD),     Michael P. Eaton, M.D., and Denham S. Ward, M.D., Ph.D.

Anesthetic was first administered at Strong Memorial Hospital in 1926, and in 1969, the Department of Anesthesiology at the Medical Center was formally established. From that point forward, the work of distinguished department chairs put the department on par with some of the finest in the nation. Michael P. Eaton, M.D., current chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, has more than upheld this standard of excellence.

On April 1, Eaton was honored for his contributions to the University and his field during a ceremony installing him as the inaugural Denham S. Ward, MD, PhD Professor. The ceremony, attended by family, friends, and colleagues at the Witmer House, celebrated Eaton’s achievements and recognized another extraordinary anesthesiologist, Denham S. Ward, M.D., Ph.D., who twice served as chair of the Department of Anesthesiology (1992–2001 and 2008–2011).

“I want to thank Denham Ward not only for his leadership in inspiring the establishment of this endowed professorship tonight, but also for his leadership in the Department of Anesthesiology,” said President Joel Seligman. “His contributions have played a major role in shaping the field of anesthesiology and its future practitioners. He has been the inspiration for this professorship.”

The Denham S. Ward, MD, PhD Professorship in the Department of Anesthesiology was established by the generosity of many individuals to honor a revered University educator, scientist, and physician. Ward provided exceptional leadership during his tenure that included the purchasing of one of the first anesthesia human patient simulators in the country and the implementation of innovative educational programs, such as “Training Anesthesiologists as Physician Scientists.” Thanks to leadership gifts by Ward and his wife, Debra, and the supporting philanthropy of many other individuals who endowed this professorship, the University will have the resources to continue to attract leaders in anesthesiology like Ward and Eaton in perpetuity.

“This position acknowledges Eaton as a clinician, researcher, educator, and administrator who truly exemplifies ‘Medicine of the Highest Order,’” said Bradford C. Berk ’81M (MD), ’81M (PhD), University Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO of the Medical Center. “He is the Medical Center’s foremost expert in cardiac anesthesia, leading a group of physicians who provide support for a wide range of heart surgeries in adults and children. 

In addition to leading the Department of Anesthesiology, Eaton is also chair of the Congenital Heart Surgery Research Interest Group at the Medical Center. His research focuses on decreasing complications associated with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass machines, which do the work of the heart and lungs when the heart is stopped to perform a surgical procedure. He is particularly interested in pediatric and neonatal cardiac surgical procedures because less is known about the use of bypass machines for infants and children, and they are at a higher risk.

The Medical Center has added 28 new endowed professorships to the School of Medicine and Dentistry since the start of its campaign, a part of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. By the Campaign’s end on June 30, 2016, the Medical Center plans to have 40 new endowed professorships.

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Brown Installed as the Inaugural Phelps Professor

From left, Provost Peter Lennie, Dean Joanna B. Olmsted, Theodore M. Brown, Ph.D., Charles and Dale Phelps, President Joel Seligman, and President Emeritus Tom Jackson

The Department of Public Health Sciences is devoted to the mission of improving health and health care among diverse populations through research, learning, and community partnerships. To this end, Theodore (Ted) M. Brown, Ph.D., has made exceptional contributions as a scholar and professor of history, public health sciences, and medical humanities in the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Brown was installed as the inaugural Charles E. and Dale L. Phelps Professor in Public Health and Policy during a public ceremony held in the Hawkins-Carlson Room of Rush Rhees Library on April 24. The event was attended by family, friends, and members of the University community, including Board Chair Emeritus Bob Witmer, Jr. ’59,  President Emeritus Thomas H. Jackson, Distinguished Professor, and Provost Peter Lennie, the Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences and Engineering. It was a celebration that acknowledged Brown’s achievements and recognized the outstanding commitment and philanthropy of Charles (Chuck) and Dale Phelps.

“This is a deeply meaningful gift,” said President Joel Seligman. “Few other couples have been as immersed in the life of the University or have served the institution in as many capacities as have Chuck and Dale. They also have devoted their entire professional careers to the field of health care and both are recognized nationally and internationally for their scholarly achievements. This generous support for ongoing teaching about and research into our nation’s health delivery system will address an issue not only near to their hearts, but one that is also vital to the country.”

With a $1.5 million commitment, the Phelpses established lasting faculty support for health care policy and public health research. Chuck Phelps is provost emeritus of the University of Rochester and currently holds the title of University Professor, which is awarded to faculty members who have distinguished themselves through outstanding and varied contributions to their own scholarly field as well as to the University itself. Dale Phelps also works in higher education. A University professor of pediatrics, she is a recognized expert in the study of a disease that affects the eyes of premature babies in intensive neonatal care. In addition to this gift, the Phelpses provide continuing support to the University as Charter Members in the George Eastman Circle.

It was to Chuck’s delight that Brown, a former colleague and opponent in many spirited debates held before students on the River Campus, was chosen to be the first holder of this professorship. He noted their debates were precisely what universities are supposed to be doing—presenting thoughtful arguments on an issue from two opposing viewpoints.

“I sometimes disagree with Ted on the details of health policy—about the best way to 'get there'—but we pretty much share the same vision for a better health care system, and I admire him hugely for the quality of his thinking,” said Chuck.

Chuck’s excitement about this appointment is shared by Joanna B. Olmsted, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “Ted has had a transformative effect on our students in the classroom,” said Olmsted. “I have had the privilege of sitting in on some of his lectures, and he provides a depth of thinking that helps students achieve a higher understanding of the practice of medicine and the health care field from moral and ethical standpoints.”

Brown’s research includes the history of U.S. and international public health; the history of U.S. health policy and politics; and the influence of organized philanthropy on medical research and medical education, among other topics. The author or coauthor of seven books, he is currently a contributing editor for the American Journal of Public Health, where he was named “Reviewer of the Year” in 2009. His work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and he is a visiting curator for the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Md.

This professorship is one of 63 endowed professorships that have been created since the beginning of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester, which seeks to add 80 new endowed professorships before it concludes on June 30, 2016.

For more information on Brown, the Phelpses, and this gift, click here.

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Fourth Annual Celebration of Students and Their Benefactors

Nearly 200 scholarship recipients and donors gathered in the M&T Ballroom at the Memorial Art Gallery for the fourth annual "Celebration of Scholarships" dinner.

Tomorrow’s educators, scientists, health care providers, and artists are today’s students. Investing in their education ensures the important work being done at the University will be carried forward.

On April 22, a new generation of potential leaders and their benefactors gathered for the fourth annual Celebration of Scholarships dinner. The University-wide event, held in the M&T Ballroom at the Memorial Art Gallery, welcomed nearly 200 endowed scholarship supporters, student recipients, and University leaders, including President Joel Seligman and deans from schools across the University.

In addition to connecting generous donors with the talented students they have helped, the event offers personal perspectives on the importance of giving to endowed scholarships. Featured speaker University Life Trustee Karen Noble Hanson ’70 talked about her family’s legacy of support. In the 1960s, Hanson’s parents, University Trustee Joseph Noble ’34 and Kathryn Cromwell Noble established four endowed scholarship funds in honor of various faculty members. In memory of her parents, Hanson created the Karen Noble Hanson Scholarship Fund in Memory of Kathryn Cromwell Noble and Joseph L. Noble in 1991. Together, the family has aided more than 100 students at the University over the last two decades alone.

The Nobles are exemplars of the kind of support today’s students need. As Hanson noted, students are dealing with unprecedented financial pressure during times when many schools are cutting back on assistance. Students Galen Dole ’14, recipient of the Halee and David Baldwin Undergraduate Scholarship, and Nathaniel Bayer ’15M (MD), recipient of the Carl B. Emerson Memorial Scholarship and the Hugh Hayward MD ’55 Endowed Scholarship, were both able to attest to that reality. Echoing each other in their messages, Dole and Bayer voiced that they wouldn’t be where they are without the help of their benefactors and each closed with a simple, but powerful, “thank you.” Soprano Joel Dyson ’14E, recipient of the William Warfield Endowed Scholarship, showcased her talents by performing two pieces, accompanied by Haeyeun Jeun ’08E (MM), ’13E (DMA).

Underscoring the impact of scholarships, President Seligman provided examples of some of history’s most inspirational figures, as well as leaders within the community, who benefited from financial assistance. These stories provide the basis for scholarships as a priority of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. By the end of the Campaign, the University seeks to reach a goal of $225 million in student support, primarily through the establishment of endowed scholarships.

To see photos from the event, click here.

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New Awards Web Site Celebrates University Leaders

In 2008, the University’s awards program was expanded to recognize great leadership, philanthropy, and professional achievement. Since then, awards have been given to nearly 100  members of the University community who have exemplified the mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and make the world ever better. These individuals are now being further recognized through a new Web site, awards.rochester.edu.

The Advancement Awards Web site celebrates outstanding alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Key features include a homepage organized by school, descriptions of each award, profiles on the most recent winners, and photos and tribute videos from ceremonies held in Rochester and across the country. The site also has a robust database that can be searched by name, degree, award, school, and year, allowing visitors to see the previous holders of each award.

The site is more than a place to display accolades of the past; it’s a tangible history of the leadership, achievements, and generosity of individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the University. Visit awards.rochester.edu to read about the most recently honored University leaders.

For more information, contact Kevin Wesley, assistant vice president for Advancement and Alumni Relations at (585) 276-3575 or kevin.wesley@rochester.edu.

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March 2013

Schwarz Installed as the Inaugural Burton Professor

(From left) Margaret Burton, Richard I. Burton ’64M (Res), President Joel Seligman, and Edward M. Schwarz, Ph.D.

The University of Rochester’s Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation and the Center for Musculoskeletal Research (CMSR) are nationally recognized leaders in their fields. This reputation for quality has been built by faculty members who are preeminent physicians, educators, and scientists. In this regard, Edward M. Schwarz, Ph.D., has proven to be exemplary.

On March 7, Schwarz was installed as the Richard and Margaret Burton Distinguished Professor in Orthopaedics for his extraordinary contributions to musculoskeletal health. A ceremony including family, friends, colleagues, and University leaders honored Schwarz and Richard (Dick) I. Burton ’64M (Res) and his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Burton, for their commitment and generosity to the Medical Center.

“Dick and Peggy’s leadership was the inspiration for so many others to make contributions that helped establish this distinguished professorship,” said President Joel Seligman. “Their dedication to strengthening the University of Rochester Medical Center has provided an example of ‘loyalty of the highest order.’”

Dick, the inaugural Marjorie Strong Wehle Professor in Orthopaedics, and Peggy have a deep understanding of the value of an endowed professorship. With their gift, they perpetuate success and breakthrough research in a department that Dick has been a central figure in building for the last 50 years.

During Dick’s tenure in the Department of Orthopaedics, residency has nearly doubled, the endowment has increased tenfold, and it is one of the country’s top five orthopaedic programs in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. His legacy will now be carried forward by Schwarz and future holders of the Richard and Margaret Burton Distinguished Professorship in Orthopaedics.

“Eddie has always thought outside the box, and is someone who will use this professorship to continue to do exciting work,” said Mark Taubman, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry. “I have total confidence we will always see innovation from Eddie, who is both a great scientist and entrepreneur.” Taubman continued by stating Schwarz has worked tirelessly—through the creation of two companies, ten patents, and innovative research—to find new ways to heal bone.

Gene therapy is one of those new approaches. Schwarz and his team are using their knowledge of genes known to “turn on” the healing process in bone to find solutions to diseases associated with inflammatory bone loss, such as arthritis, bone infections, tumor metastasis to bone, and aseptic loosening of total joint replacements. Schwarz’s leading-edge thinking has helped the CMSR become the top-ranked orthopaedic research center in the United States.

The Medical Center has added 28 new endowed professorships to the School of Medicine and Dentistry since the start of its campaign, a part of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. By the Campaign’s end on June 30, 2016, the Medical Center plans to have 40 new endowed professorships.

For more on Dr. Schwarz and this professorship, read "The Future of Orthopaedics" in the second issue of Endeavor here.

Values and Action

The newest issue of Endeavor has already announced the news far and wide, yet it warrants repeating and further acknowledgement. As of February 20, we surpassed $900 million in commitments to The Meliora Challenge!

We have achieved 75 percent of our goal of $1.2 billion, through 70 percent of our Campaign, ending June 30, 2016. Reaching this milestone speaks volumes about the dedication of our Community of Leaders, which has been a continuous source of positive momentum. You have been particularly generous in the area of endowed professorships.

This issue of Fast Forward features the installation of the inaugural holder of the Richard and Margaret Burton Distinguished Professor in Orthopaedics. The Burton’s gift is among 28 new endowed professorships that have been added at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. During The Meliora Challenge we have nearly doubled the number of endowed positions in this school alone. Overall, your support has helped us add 61 endowed professorships across the University.

Our success bodes well for us reaching and blowing past our goal of 80 new and committed professorships in the Campaign. As our inspirational President Joel Seligman says, "Universities are built professorship by professorship." These gifts are one of the most lasting investments to sustain the quality of our education and research and the overall service of this University.

I am grateful for the leadership and generosity of our alumni, parents, and friends that have enabled us to celebrate these accomplishments. And we should all be proud to be part of such a supremely supportive community.

Meliora!

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

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George Eastman Circle: More Than 2,500 and Still Growing

The sixth annual George Eastman Circle dinner at The Plaza in New York

Members of the George Eastman Circle gathered in New York City for their sixth annual dinner on March 14. Nearly 400 alumni, parents, and friends of the University filled the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza to celebrate what has been remarkable, continuous growth.

It was only three years ago that the George Eastman Circle was in this same venue and had a total of 1,331 memberships. During this short period the Eastman Circle has nearly doubled that number. The group’s extraordinary rate of expansion was a point University Trustee Nathan Moser ’75, national chair of the George Eastman Circle, celebrated in his remarks.

“Last year, at this very dinner, I announced to everyone a personal hope that we would close in on ‘ten times that number’ in 2013,” said Moser, reminding guests of the Circle’s original goal of 250. “And that’s exactly what we did. The George Eastman Circle recently surpassed 2,500 memberships.”

Attendees heard from other University leaders, including Board Chair Ed Hajim ’58, Trustee and Annual Giving Programs Chair Gwen Greene ’65, and President Joel Seligman. One of the highlights of the evening’s remarks was the announcement of a new giving program that provides members the opportunity to have an immediate impact on students through support of current-use, named scholarships. The George Eastman Circle Scholarship program will help support students like Melisa Diaz ’14, who also spoke at the event.

Diaz, a junior majoring in environmental science with minors in chemistry and Japanese, spoke on the experiences she has enjoyed as a student and how she hopes to "pay it forward" as others have done for her. In talking about her activities, she mentioned her participation in Strong Jugglers. Her many talents and ability to juggle fire torches, knives, and other items became a part of keynote speaker Walter Isaacson's address, which was focused on creativity. Isaacson is a world-renowned writer and biographer and the author of Steve Jobs.

George Eastman Circle members have now pledged nearly $50 million to the University. Members’ leadership support is helping the University move closer to the $130 million Annual Fund goal for The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. To learn more about the George Eastman Circle, visit the new Web site at GeorgeEastmanCircle.com.

To view the event’s photo gallery, click here.

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Ensuring an Ever Better University

What is an endowed professorship and how is one created? Who are some of the endowed professors at the University of Rochester? Why is establishing more of these positions one of the top priorities of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester? These questions and others will be answered in a new Campaign booklet on the University’s greatest faculty resource.

This booklet will provide fundamental information on endowed professorships, including a brief history of their existence in higher education and at Rochester. Readers will also find profiles on endowed professors and some of the generous donors who have established this lasting support. Eight examples, spanning all areas of the University, highlight the distinguished work made possible by professorships, the motivation behind the donor’s gift, and the reasons why these educators and philanthropists believe endowed professorships are so important to the future of the University.

The endowed professorships booklet will soon be available to read online at campaign.rochester.edu.

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February 2013

Benets Endow Professorship
in Finance 

Jay and Jeanne Benet with their son, Josh

Longtime supporter of the William E. Simon School of Business Jay S. Benet ’76S (MBA) has remained actively involved at his alma mater as a member of the Simon School’s National Council and Executive Advisory Committee. In appreciation for the outstanding leadership at Simon, Mr. Benet and his wife Jeanne have committed $1.5 million that will establish the Jay S. and Jeanne P. Benet Professorship of Finance.

 “We are deeply grateful to Jay and Jeanne Benet for this investment in finance education at the Simon School,” said President Joel Seligman. “We are proud to be considered a global leader in finance education, and this gift will help us to build on that momentum.”

The Benet’s gift contributes to the Simon School’s $85 million campaign, which is part of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester and its $1.2 billion goal. Their gift is also one of 60 endowed professorships that have been established since the beginning of the Campaign, which seeks to reach 80 new endowed professorships by June 30, 2016.

By endowing this professorship, the Benets are providing Simon with the resources to continue to attract renowned faculty from around the world and remain a leader among its peers in finance. Mr. Benet has also committed to ongoing support of the University as a Charter Member of the George Eastman Circle at the Benefactor level. 

 “This gift of a finance professorship for the Simon School is in recognition of the outstanding education I received while attending Simon,” said Mr. Benet. “The analytic, fact-based problem-solving skills I learned from my professors enabled me to successfully compete in business.”

That success has helped Mr. Benet become vice chairman and CFO of The Travelers Companies Inc, where he oversees all of Travelers’ financial operations, including financial planning and analysis, enterprise risk management, and several other areas. He joined the company after 14 years at Coopers & Lybrand, now PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he was a partner.

For more information, please click here.

Values and Action

Throughout The Meliora Challenge, our generous alumni, parents, and friends have honored others with their gifts. Often those who are honored are friends or loved ones, revered faculty, or exceptional care providers—people who have had a direct impact on their lives. Phil Saunders’ truly altruistic gesture, mentioned within this newsletter, is a reminder that there are those whose impact on our lives cannot easily be seen or felt.

The display honoring veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Saunders Research Building acknowledges the men and women who have bravely served and selflessly sacrificed for our country. University of Rochester faculty, students, and alumni have served in the military as far back as the Civil War. Plaques hanging in Wilson Commons commemorate the lives that were lost in past battles.

Today, students are receiving training for service as commissioned officers in the United States Navy or Marine Corps through our NROTC program. Alumnus Rear Admiral Sean Pybus ’79 is still serving as a career Naval Special Warfare SEAL officer—some of you may have heard him speak at this past Meliora Weekend. And Donald Winter ’69, currently a member of the Washington, D.C. Regional Cabinet, served as the 74th Secretary of the U.S. Navy from January 2006 until March 2009.

These men and women have put their own lives in danger to protect the lives of others. I cannot think of a more admirable profession, and I am proud the University’s history contains so many who have chosen this path. The next time you are on the River Campus or at the Medical Center, I encourage you to visit these memorials.

Meliora!

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

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Thornton Installed as the Inaugural Saunders Distinguished Professor

From left: Richard T. Moxley III, E. Philip Saunders, Charles A. Thornton, Dean Mark Taubman, and President Joel Seligman

Today, more than 28 million Americans are coping with neuromuscular diseases, which include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy, among others. As the population continues to grow and age, this number will continue to increase.

Charles A. Thornton ’91 (Flw) has dedicated his career to understanding the causes of these devastating degenerative diseases and developing treatments for them, opening the door to revolutionary new therapies. On February 7, Thornton was installed as the inaugural Saunders Family Distinguished Professor in Neuromuscular Research.

Family, friends, colleagues, and University leaders filled the atrium of the Saunders Research Building at the University of Rochester Medical Center to acknowledge Thornton’s excellence in neuromuscular care and research and to recognize the building’s namesake E. Philip Saunders for his vision and transformational philanthropy.

"I want to thank Phil Saunders for his generosity and recognize that it is not just his generosity that we are lauding tonight; it’s also his character," said President Joel Seligman. "Phil is one of the most principled people I know. He is a person of unquestioned integrity and honesty. He is the kind of person we all want to be."

Saunders’ interest in neuromuscular disease research began in 1988 when his daughter, Patty, had a severe attack of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Patty’s physician was Director of the Neuromuscular Disease Center Richard T. Moxley III, Helen Aresty Fine and Irving Fine Professor in Neurology. After her treatment, Saunders developed a close friendship with Moxley and became a passionate supporter of the neuromuscular program. In 2011, he made one of the largest gifts in the history of the Medical Center in support of research programs in muscular dystrophy, cancer, and translational medicine. The Saunders Family Distinguished Professorship in Neuromuscular Research was part of that gift.

A link also exists between Moxley and Thornton. The year after meeting Saunders, Moxley received a call from a physician at the University of Zimbabwe School of Medicine who was interested in the neuromuscular fellowship being offered at the Medical Center. That physician was Thornton, who spent two years abroad serving as a Fulbright scholar. Since joining the faculty in 1991, he has become one of the most knowledgeable and revered muscular dystrophy specialists in the country.

“Charles epitomizes the translational scientist,” said Mark Taubman, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry. “His current work is taking advantage of exciting new developments in RNA biology to provide novel approaches to crippling diseases. And as an active clinician, he is ideally suited to be able to take results from the lab to the patient, which is exactly the work being done in the Saunders Research Building.”

Professor of neurology and a scientist in the Center for Neural Development and Disease, Thornton teaches students, residents, and fellows about genetics and the roots of and potential treatments for neurological diseases. He also helps patients and families affected by disorders such as muscular dystrophy as co-director of the Medical Center's Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, one of the world's top centers for treatment of the disease. 

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Saunders Recognizes Our Nation’s Heroes

E. Philip Saunders, Bradford C. Berk, Jeff Bazarian (back) with officers and cadets of the NROTC program

“Let us never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families, and may the research within this building bring healing to them and others.”

These are the encouraging words of accomplished entrepreneur
E. Philip Saunders, now immortalized on the new memorial display in the Saunders Research Building to honor veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The display, unveiled during a dedication ceremony in the building’s atrium on January 31, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those serving in our country’s armed forces and as inspiration to those pursuing research at the Medical Center.

“I want to thank Phil for his dedication to our veterans and making sure that they are never forgotten,” said Bradford C. Berk ’81M (MD), ’81M (PhD), University senior vice president for health sciences and CEO of the Medical Center. “His generosity is an inspiration and I am confident that the discoveries produced in this building will help improve the lives of not only our veterans but countless other people across the globe.”

Recognition of our nation’s heroes was Saunders' request when he made one of the largest commitments in Medical Center history. With his $10 million gift in April 2011, Saunders provided transformational support to research programs in muscular dystrophy, cancer, and translational medicine. To recognize this visionary gift and Saunders' decades of support for research at the Medical Center, the new building for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute building was named in his honor.

Remarking upon the devastating and all-too-common brain injuries in veterans, Jeff Bazarian ’87M (MD), ’02M (MPH), P’13, an emergency physician and traumatic brain injury researcher, noted the significance of Saunders' gift.

“This building is a symbol, a beacon, a message,” said Bazarian. “And the message is this: the University of Rochester is serious about bringing research findings discovered at the bench to people in order to improve the human condition; we are serious about translating basic science discoveries into cures.”

In addition to being among the Medical Center’s most generous benefactors, Saunders has provided leadership through his service on the executive committee of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester and as co-chair for the Medical Center’s campaign. He is also chair of the Rochester Leadership Council for the George Eastman Circle, of which he is a member at the Patron level.

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January 2013

Regional Campaign for New England Begins in Boston

The Boston regional campaign launch, held in the Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Family Courtyard of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, became the largest University event ever held in the city.

More than 250 members of the University community gathered on January 15 in the Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Family Courtyard of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to celebrate the University’s third regional launch of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester.

Alumni, parents, and friends were welcomed by Trustee Cathy Minehan ’68, P’04, co-chair of The Meliora Challenge and chair of the Boston Regional Cabinet. In her remarks, Minehan provided a brief overview of the University’s Campaign and encouraged attendees to support its ambitions.

“Through this and other regional campaigns, we seek to evoke George Eastman’s spirit and inspire a new generation of philanthropy,” said Minehan. “My hope is tonight you will find inspiration to take action.”

Stephen Fantone ’79 (PhD), chair of the Boston regional campaign, announced the goals for the greater Boston area and the New England region. The campaign aims to reach $30 million, through support for priority areas of The Meliora Challenge and surpass 180 George Eastman Circle members, by June 30, 2016.

As an example of those who stand to benefit most from the Campaign, College of Arts, Sciences & Engineering student Shiv Rambarran ’13 testified to how perfectly the University suited his wide interests and diverse background. Rambarran noted his experiences were made possible, in part, by his scholarship and stressed the importance of providing support to future students. Following his comments, soprano Adelaide Boedecker ’13E (MM), accompanied by pianist and fellow Eastman student Heather McEwen Goldman ’13E (MM), performed pieces from both the classical and musical theater repertory.

The evening concluded with a message from President Joel Seligman. Highlighting the Campaign’s successes thus far, Seligman pointed to University transformations that will be possible thanks to the dedicated commitment of energized alumni and friends throughout the country. He closed with an invitation he has extended to attendees in each city he has visited; he invited those who have been away from Rochester to “come home.”

To view photos from the event, click here.

Values and Action

The beginning of a new year is widely thought to provide a fresh start. I am of the mind that every day presents this same opportunity. Also common is the idea that this is an opportunity to “wipe the slate clean.” To me, this often seems to be counterproductive. All of the events and experiences of the previous year have brought us to today, and we should further embrace them and use them as our teachers for the future. I see this time of year as an opportunity to refocus on where we have been, where we are, and where we want to be next year.

Two days ago we celebrated the regional launch of The Meliora Challenge in Boston. More than 250 members and representatives of the entire University community came together in support of our Campaign, an effort spearheaded by the leadership of our Boston Regional Cabinet. The continuing formation of Regional Cabinets and the dedication of their members are playing a significant role in helping us bring the Campaign to our alumni, parents, and friends across the country. Later this month the Campaign will be in Miami, with plans to visit other cities throughout 2013.

As we pursue our Campaign goals, leadership from our Community of Leaders will be increasingly important. For that reason, I am very pleased to report membership in the George Eastman Circle has reached 2,500, a number 10 times the size of our original goal of 250! Since our formal launch at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City, this represents phenomenal growth. New memberships and renewals from our Charter Members have put us on track to reach our goal of 3,300 memberships by the close of The Meliora Challenge in 2016. I hope many of you will join me in celebrating this milestone at the George Eastman Circle dinner in New York City this March.

All of our goals can be reached and surpassed. By treating each day as an opportunity, setting long- and short-term goals, and working together, there is no goal we cannot accomplish. I’m looking forward to another great year of success and progress!

Meliora!

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

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Lambert and Schleifer Endow Directorship for River Campus Libraries 

Joseph Lambert ’59 and Harold Schleifer

Rush Rhees Library provided Joseph Lambert ’59 and Harold Schleifer with a wealth of fond memories and inspiration, which contributed to the creation of a newly endowed position at the University. Together, the two men have committed $1 million to endow the Joseph N. Lambert and Harold B. Schleifer Director of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation at the University of Rochester’s River Campus Libraries.

 “This is an amazing gift for which all of us at the University of Rochester are profoundly grateful,” said President Joel Seligman. “Joseph Lambert and Harold Schleifer possess a deep understanding of the evolving work of libraries. Through their professional and personal experiences, they recognize the critical role that libraries play in advancing and preserving knowledge. Their commitment will allow collections that were once the preserve of a handful of scholars to be widely available through the Internet.”

Partners for 27 years, Lambert and Schleifer have close ties to the world of libraries. At the age of 14, Schleifer was stacking the shelves as a page at the New York Public Library. Lambert also found work among the stacks while attending Rochester as an undergraduate student, checking out books, locating materials in the reserve reading room, and even tending the fireplace in the Welles-Brown Room of Rush Rhees Library. These early experiences sensitized the two men to sweeping changes occurring in today’s libraries and influenced their decision to make an enduring contribution.

“Buildings and books come and go, but good people will always be essential,” said Schleifer. “As the University continues to grow, this directorship will support scholarship and students in perpetuity,” added Lambert.

After graduating from the University with a B.A. in psychology, Lambert went on to medical school at New York University. He then fulfilled a military commitment before becoming an ophthalmologist, where he practiced and taught as a clinical faculty member at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA, in Southern California. Lambert also worked in the pharmaceutical industry in drug safety and clinical research. Today, he remains active in the University community as a member of the San Diego Regional Cabinet. Now retired, Schleifer led a career inspired by his early library work and ultimately became the dean of the University Library at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona—a position he held for 28 years—where he led a major construction and renovation project for the Cal Poly Pomona University Library.

“This is an exciting time for libraries. There are whole worlds being created in archiving and preserving e-mails, Web sites, and blogs paralleling what was done with print materials in the past, but reflective of advancements in electronic communication and documentation,” noted Schleifer. “Unique materials will always be important and more so, today, with the application of technology to these collections. Digitization and the Internet have made Rochester’s resources available to the world.”

For more information, click here.

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