June 10, 2009
Values and Action |
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FeaturesEngineering School Named for Edmund A. Hajim ’58Recognizing Board Chair Ed Hajim’s transformational leadership and support, the University of Rochester announced on May 15 that it will officially name the engineering school the Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, effective July 1, 2009. Celebrations for the naming are planned for Meliora Weekend 2009, October 9-11, including a formal dedication ceremony and an engineering symposium on campus. The naming recognizes Hajim’s many decades of outstanding service and contributions to the University, including his $30 million gift commitment last fall to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. President Joel Seligman said, “Ed’s conviction, that education is the answer to nearly every social problem, and his devotion to the University of Rochester are an inspiration to all of us.” Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Robert L. Clark is thrilled the school will be named at a time when strategic planning has set the stage for program growth and ever-increasing standards of excellence. “Ed’s contributions will make all of this possible, as well as provide increased financial support for students with need,” said Clark. “This is a truly historic occasion for engineering at Rochester.” Read more. Ernest J. and Thelma Del Monte Commit $10 Million to NeuromedicineErnest J. Del Monte, chairman of E.J. Del Monte Corporation, and his wife, Thelma, have made a $10 million gift commitment to the University of Rochester Medical Center. The Ernest J. Del Monte Neuromedicine Institute will serve as an umbrella for a host of vibrant research centers and growing clinical care programs throughout the Medical Center and River Campus. The Del Monte Institute will be a comprehensive center for investigating and treating neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, stroke, and trauma to the brain and spinal cord. The gift was announced at a Medical Center news conference held on May 13. Del Monte said that his family’s $10 million commitment is the first installment toward what he hopes will be a gift totaling $20 million. University of Rochester leaders at the event who thanked the Del Montes and spoke about the significance of the gift commitment included President Joel Seligman; Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of the University of Rochester Medical Center; David S. Guzick, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry; Edmund A. Hajim, chairman of the University of Rochester Board of Trustees; Webster H. Pilcher, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine and Dentistry; and Ronald L. Zarrella, chair of the Medical Center Board. Ernest Del Monte expressed his aspiration to make a difference. “Neuromedicine is one of the most promising endeavors that the University has undertaken. We have all the necessary ingredients to be successful internationally. My hope is that this gift will be the force to help scientists and clinicians collaborate seamlessly so that one day, from this Institute, the cure for Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and other neurological disorders will emerge. I truly believe we can do it.” Read more. To see photos from the gift announcement, click here
George Eastman Circle Members Honored at New York DinnerThe 2009 George Eastman Circle dinner was held on April 1 in New York City. Nearly 250 members and guests gathered in Gotham Hall to celebrate the unprecedented success of the Charter Campaign and the innumerable strides the Circle has made during the last year. The night’s featured speaker was acclaimed author and historian David McCullough, who spoke about the lessons of leadership. Board Chair Edmund A. Hajim ’58 opened the evening. His inspirational remarks focused on the importance of philanthropic leadership at the University. “We’re going to make the best even better, strengthening the University of Rochester and expanding its service to the world for generations to come,” said Hajim. He thanked George Eastman Circle members for their generous support, and acknowledged volunteers for their exceptional leadership: National Co-chairs Larry Bloch ’75 and Tom Sloan ’65, ’67 (Mas), Chair of Annual Giving Programs Gwen Greene ’65, and George Eastman Circle Vice Chairs Robert Hurlbut, Sr., R. Wayne LeChase, Nathan F. Moser ’75, Peter D. Standish ’64, Janice M. Willett ’78S (MBA), and Nathaniel Wisch, M.D. ’55. President Joel Seligman also praised George Eastman Circle volunteers and members for their leadership, and encouraged them to rededicate themselves to the University and the vital services it provides to the community and across the globe. Gwen Greene ’65 spoke about the need to support current students and introduced Asher Perzigian ’09, who talked about the impact of George Eastman Circle support on the lives of students, some of whose families are struggling due to the nation’s economic crisis. To see photos from the event, click here:
Discovery Ball Receives Outpouring of SupportMore than 800 people and local corporations demonstrated their support for the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at the 10th Annual Discovery Ball held on April 18 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Co-chaired by Steve and Kim McCluski, this year’s event raised $1.4 million for patient care programs, cancer research, and other important needs. Jennifer Miller (pictured above), a Fairport elementary speech language pathologist, received the Inspiration Award, which was presented by Richard I. Fisher, M.D., the Wilmot Cancer Center’s director. Miller was diagnosed with leukemia when pregnant with her first son, and delivered a healthy baby while undergoing treatment. Jennifer’s heroic story moved audience members deeply and was a poignant example of the hope the center brings to hundreds of people every day. To see photos from the event, click here: To view the Inspiration Award video, click here: Professorship Installations Help Promote Faculty Excellence ForeverDuring the spring academic semester, the University celebrated the installation of several new endowed faculty positions. These events showcased faculty excellence across the University and also highlighted the vital importance of endowed positions, which are critical for attracting, retaining, and supporting the critical work of top faculty. Click on the links below to view photo galleries from the events.
Simon School Dean Mark Zupan Makes $1 Million Gift CommitmentMark A. Zupan, who has served as dean of the Simon Graduate School of Business since 2004, has made a $1 million commitment to the School. During his tenure as dean, Zupan’s gift will provide scholarship support for Simon students. The gift will then be available to his successors as an endowed fund to support innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit at Simon. It is believed that Zupan’s gift is unmatched by any current or previous business school dean. In announcing his gift, Zupan explained that he was motivated by the generosity of the University’s alumni and friends, including the example of leadership giving set by Board Chair Edmund Hajim. Zupan mentioned another motivation for his gift. His mother, Maria, was the first woman to earn a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Rochester in 1964. The support she received from scholarships made it possible for her to attend the University and earn her degree. Read more. Highland Hospital Gala Supports Priority ProjectsTwo-hundred forty people attended the third annual Highland Hospital Gala on Saturday, March 28. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, more than $115,000 was raised for the Highland Foundation, which supports priority hospital projects. Speakers for the event, which was held at the Locust Hill Country Club in Rochester, included Amy Kates, board chair of the Highland Hospital Foundation, Mark Eidlin, Highland Gala co-chair, and Bob McCann, chair of the Highland Board of Directors. Bradford Berk, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president for health sciences and CEO of the University of Rochester Medical Center, spoke about Highland’s important role in the Medical Center’s strategic plan and thanked guests for their dedicated support. This year’s co-chairs, in addition to Eidlin, were Jennifer Ralph, Coral Surgeon, M.D., and Thomas McNanley, M.D. To see photos from the event, click here: |
Upcoming Events
Event Registration: To register for events by phone, call (877) 635-4672 unless otherwise indicated. To register for events online, check for updates, view attendee lists, and explore alumni programs, click here. Alumni Travel and Learn Program: Alumni Association tours, open to all members of the University community, offer many opportunities to visit exciting locations while learning from noted staff and faculty experts. For more information, click here. |
Fast Forward Archive
February 17, 2009 |