University of Rochester

For Ever Better

the campaign for the University of Rochester

aerial of rush rhees tower overlooking the river campus

For Ever Better

the campaign for the University of Rochester

Make your year-end gift by December 31

2026 Rochester Americans Honorary Captain: Tavi Thevanesan

Tavi was brought to the ER for pneumonia—but within hours, his condition became critical. He was admitted to the PICU, intubated that night, and placed on ECMO the next day to save his life. Thanks to his doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, Tavi is thriving again. To celebrate his incredible comeback and spirit of bravery, Tavi joined the Amerks as their first Honorary Captain for the 2025–2026 season.

2025 Rochester Americans Honorary Captain: Bentley Vega

This young fighter battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a relapse, and a bone marrow transplant. Thanks to exceptional care at Golisano Children’s Hospital, he’s now in remission, facing each challenge with resilience and spirit. A lifelong hockey fan, he’s embracing a dream come true with the Amerks.

Featured stories

Featured stories

Joanne Y. Law dressed in cap and gown on the site of the road

New optics professorship

Joanne Y. Law ’98 (PhD) has established a distinguished professorship at the University’s Institute of Optics as part of the Wyant Challenge.

A group of schoolchildren with their hands raised and their Expanded Learrning Collaboration instructors at the Memorial Art Gallery.

Beyond the museum

Cultivating creativity, curiosity, and connection through the Memorial Art Gallery’s and Rochester City School District’s Expanded Learning Collaboration.

Jamal Holtz sits and speaks to students seen from behind.

My Rochester story

Jamal Holtz ’20—former Students’ Association president, Posse Scholar, and first-generation student—offers advice on how Rochester students can ‘make their hive a home.’

Anne Moore ’70, ’74M (MD) wearing blue button shirt and light pants

Wilson Society spotlight

Forever influenced by Rochester’s distinctive approach to medical education, Anne Moore ’70, ’74M (MD) continues the legacy—helping future doctors through scholarship support.

Yaofang (Vicki) Liang smiles and looks out the window of JoyMart, the Asian grocery store and cafe she founded and runs.

Pride and JoyMart

Gratitude led Yaofang (Vicki) Liang ’23W (PhD) to open an Asian grocery store and cafe at Rochester’s College Town.

Dick and Vicki Schwartz standing at podium during event

Creating pivotal student experiences

This alumni couple has created transformative student experiences through support for research, internships, and life-changing opportunities.

Joanne Y. Law dressed in cap and gown on the site of the road

New optics professorship

Joanne Y. Law ’98 (PhD) has established a distinguished professorship at the University’s Institute of Optics as part of the Wyant Challenge.

A group of schoolchildren with their hands raised and their Expanded Learrning Collaboration instructors at the Memorial Art Gallery.

Beyond the museum

Cultivating creativity, curiosity, and connection through the Memorial Art Gallery’s and Rochester City School District’s Expanded Learning Collaboration.

Jamal Holtz sits and speaks to students seen from behind.

My Rochester story

Jamal Holtz ’20—former Students’ Association president, Posse Scholar, and first-generation student—offers advice on how Rochester students can ‘make their hive a home.’

Anne Moore ’70, ’74M (MD) wearing blue button shirt and light pants

Wilson Society spotlight

Forever influenced by Rochester’s distinctive approach to medical education, Anne Moore ’70, ’74M (MD) continues the legacy—helping future doctors through scholarship support.

Yaofang (Vicki) Liang smiles and looks out the window of JoyMart, the Asian grocery store and cafe she founded and runs.

Pride and JoyMart

Gratitude led Yaofang (Vicki) Liang ’23W (PhD) to open an Asian grocery store and cafe at Rochester’s College Town.

Dick and Vicki Schwartz standing at podium during event

Creating pivotal student experiences

This alumni couple has created transformative student experiences through support for research, internships, and life-changing opportunities.

Read more stories

Read more stories

R. William Cornell, Jr. ’64D (Pdc), DDS, and Chloe T. Cornell establish a $2 million research fund at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health

R. William “Bill” Cornell, Jr. ’64D (Pdc), DDS, and his wife, Chloe Cornell, have made a historic $2 million gift to UR Medicine’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) during For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester.

Learn more about this historic gift

Bill Cornell, Jr. ’64D (Pdc), DDS, and Roland R. Hawes ’49, ’51M, DMD

Bill Cornell, Jr. ’64D (Pdc), DDS, and Roland R. Hawes ’49, ’51M, DMD

Bill Cornell, Jr. ’64D (Pdc), DDS, and Roland R. Hawes ’49, ’51M, DMD

Bill Cornell, Jr. ’64D (Pdc), DDS, and Roland R. Hawes ’49, ’51M, DMD

R. William Cornell, Jr. ’64D (Pdc), DDS, and Chloe T. Cornell establish a $2 million research fund at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health

R. William “Bill” Cornell, Jr. ’64D (Pdc), DDS, and his wife, Chloe Cornell, have made a historic $2 million gift to UR Medicine’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) during For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester.

Learn more about this historic gift

Upcoming events

January 2–March 6, 2026
Virtual Book Club: The Frozen River
6 p.m. (EST)
Virtual
See event details
January 10
A Saturday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
10:45 a.m.–noon (EST)
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY
See event details
January 10
Chicago New Year Celebration
11 a.m.–1 p.m. (CST)
Rochester, NY
See event details

Experience Rochester events

Explore all events

Upcoming events

Nov 11
EngagementVeterans Day 5K Honor Run
6–8 p.m. (ET)
University of Rochester, River Campus
See event details
Nov 16
EngagementExplore Your City: Chicago, 2025
1—3 p.m. (CT)
Chicago, IL
See event details
Nov 20
CampaignFor Ever Better: The Philadelphia Campaign Launch
6 p.m. (ET)
Philadelphia, PA
See event details

Experience Rochester events

Explore all events

The Sloan Performing Arts Center

The 30,000-square-foot Sloan Performing Arts Center had its soft opening at the end of August, adding a much-anticipated new building to the University of Rochester’s River Campus in time for the fall semester. The building will be fully functional by the end of the calendar year. The Sloan Center is made possible thanks to the generosity of University Life Trustee Thomas Sloan ’65, ’67 (MS) and Linda Sloan ’67 and other lead donors. Read more about the Sloan Center and get a behind-the-scenes look at artist Jay Yan’s installation of a specially commissioned mosaic that will span most of the building’s interior.

Read more
front entrance of the sloan performing arts center with student on scooter riding by the entrance
front entrance of the sloan performing arts center with student on scooter riding by the entrance

The Sloan Performing Arts Center

The 30,000-square-foot Sloan Performing Arts Center had its soft opening at the end of August, adding a much-anticipated new building to the University of Rochester’s River Campus in time for the fall semester. The building will be fully functional by the end of the calendar year. The Sloan Center is made possible thanks to the generosity of University Life Trustee Thomas Sloan ’65, ’67 (MS) and Linda Sloan ’67 and other lead donors. Read more about the Sloan Center and get a behind-the-scenes look at artist Jay Yan’s installation of a specially commissioned mosaic that will span most of the building’s interior.

Read more

Catch us on social

facebook iconx - formally twitter iconinstagram icon

Catch us on social

facebook iconx - formally twitter iconinstagram icon

WordPress PopUp Plugin