‘For Ever Better’ campaign launch, community celebration tonight

The University has publicly launched For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester, its largest and most ambitious fundraising and engagement initiative ever. The $1.75 billion campaign will raise critical funds and deepen connections across alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, amplifying Rochester’s impact worldwide.

All registered Meliora Weekend attendees—including faculty, staff, and students—are welcome to attend “For Ever Better: A Campaign Celebration” today, September 19, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., in the Wilson Quad tent on the River Campus. The celebration will feature performances by Eastman faculty, students, and alumni; a DJ set by Vice President for Student Life John Blackshear; and interactive exhibits. Still need to secure your spot? Register online, then pick up your badge in Wilson Commons before heading over to the tent. Learn more about the campaign and tonight’s event.

University-led STELLAR project named a finalist in national competition

Rochester’s STELLAR (Science, Technology and Engineering of Laser and Laser Applications Research) project has been named a finalist in the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines program. Read more about the project here.

Last chance to register for the Meliora Collective mentorship program

Register by Sunday, September 21, for the fall Meliora Collective mentorship program. Connect with an experienced mentor who can offer guidance, answer your questions, and help you navigate your next steps. Whether you’re exploring career paths, preparing for internships, or just looking for advice from someone who’s been there, a mentor can make a big difference.

Walk and unwind

Join the Health Promotion Office on Wednesday, September 24, and Monday, October 13, from 5 to 6 p.m. for guided “Walk and Unwind” events. Expect short activities, breathing exercises, and an awakening of the senses. Comfortable shoes and a weather-appropriate coat are all you need. Register at the above links.

Graduate Writing Project writing workshop

Graduate students and postdocs in the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences are invited to a workshop on writing like an expert in your discipline. Participants will practice rhetorical genre analysis, examining how academic writers use language to frame arguments, review prior research, and describe methods. Attendees are encouraged to bring sample papers from their field for in-session analysis. Register to attend on Wednesday, October 8, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Conference Room B (G-121), Rush Rhees Library.

Finding balance with IBS

Living with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease can disrupt the security of your daily activities. Discover ways to stabilize your system during flare-ups by registering for Well-U’s condition management coaching program. Confidential one-on-one meetings with your personal coach start here.

RFA for pilot award program in music and aging research

The Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center, in partnership with the Aging Institute, has shared the formal request for applications (RFA) for the 2026–27 pilot award program in music and aging research.

This funding opportunity will support up to two one-year pilot projects, with awards of up to $25,000 each in direct costs, to advance innovative research at the intersection of music and aging. Letters of Intent are due November 10. Review the RFA here.

Childcare subsidy application period closes September 22

The annual childcare subsidy application period ends Monday, September 22. Eligible employees can receive up to $3,600 toward childcare expenses for the calendar year 2026. This is your only chance to apply for 2026 funds unless you are a new hire or have a qualifying life event. Find more information and apply here.

Tuition reimbursement reminder

Eligible full-time faculty or staff attending an outside college or university for the fall 2025 semester must submit a tuition reimbursement application in Workday. All applications must be received no later than 30 days from the start of the course. Apply online by logging into myURHR Workday, clicking “Benefits and Pay” on the homepage under Apps, and then clicking “Employee Tuition Reimbursement Application” under Suggested Links. Find additional information here.

Origami and community night for cancer research

The Frisch Lab leukemia research group at Wilmot Cancer Institute is hosting a 1,000 cranes fundraiser where they will fold an origami paper crane for each $10 donated in support of the team’s research.  Attend the event on Monday, September 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bookeater Cafe, 836 South Clinton Ave. You can fold cranes, learn about leukemia, and share your story with the community.

Hybrid public health grand rounds lecture

Attend the next public health grand rounds lecture, “Addressing Disparities in Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment through Community-Engaged Research,” by Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza, an associate professor in the cancer prevention and control program at Georgetown University. Register to attend in person on Friday, September 26, at noon in Helen Wood Hall, or via Zoom.

Attend a webinar with Chief HR Officer Kathy Gallucci

On Friday, October 3, from noon to 1 p.m., Kathy Gallucci, chief human resources officer, will share HR modernization progress, discuss the employee engagement survey, and address other topics relevant to Rochester employees. This is the second installment of “Leadership Conversations,” a new series where University leaders address issues that affect the University’s mission, vision, values, and progress toward the goals of Boundless Possibility. This webinar is open to all faculty, staff, and students. Register to attend.

Healing from Within chronic pain course

If you’re a University student, faculty, or staff member living with chronic pain, the Mindful University Project offers a free, four-week evidence-based series to help you heal from within. Techniques like pain reprocessing therapy, emotional awareness and expression therapy, and mindfulness will be explored in this program to help support long-term healing. The program will be held online on Fridays, October 3–24, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. This is an educational program and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Registration is required.