June 2024

June 2024

Headshot of Gwen M. Greene ’65

Meliora! A message from our Annual Giving Chair

What a momentous time it has been for the University of Rochester and its Medical Center. From the historic announcement, earlier this month, that philanthropist and entrepreneur Tom Golisano committed a $50 million donation, to an incredible commencement that took place in May, there has never been a better time to be a part of our family.

I was thrilled to participate in this year’s Commencement. It was a gloriously sunny Rochester day, and the entire University came together to celebrate the Class of 2024. This next generation is full of promise, and I eagerly anticipate their future achievements. Significantly, your continued generous support has played an enormous role in preparing them for whatever path they may choose.

The University also held its 10th annual Day of Giving this spring, and I’m happy to share that a significant number of George Eastman Circle members participated. We played an important role in the success of the day, with more than 500 of you contributing more than $2.4M to funds across the University and Medical Center.

Summer is officially here, and June 30 marks the close of the University’s fiscal year. I want to remind you to make your annual membership payment or renew if you have not done so already.

On behalf of the University, thank you for all you do. My best wishes for a wonderful summer.

Meliora,

Gwen M. Greene ’65
Member, Board of Trustees
Chair, Annual Giving Programs

Candid photo of students and family rejoicing after the 2024 commencement.

Celebrating the Class of 2024

On May 17, the University of Rochester conferred academic degrees to more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students at its 174th Commencement ceremony. An audience of thousands, including family, friends, loved ones, faculty, staff, community members, and distinguished guests watched the proceedings from Fauver Stadium on the River Campus. Thousands more tuned in online from across the globe.

Moments from Commencement
Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader B. Thomas “Tom” Golisano making a historic $50 million commitment to the university of rochester.
Tom Golisano makes largest single gift in University history
On June 13, 2024, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader B. Thomas “Tom” Golisano made a historic $50 million commitment, making it possible to build the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The new world-class transdisciplinary center will provide solutions to the health and quality of life issues that affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Learn more about the Golisano IDD Institute

 Chris Costello posing for a photo.

A lifesaving friendship
As a boy Chris Costello was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and eventually needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. His team of providers at the University of Rochester Medical Center turned to the bone marrow registry. What happened next led to an extraordinary turn of events and the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
Watch Chris's Story
Make a Gift

As the 2023-2024 academic year comes to a close, there is still time to make a charitable contribution to any area of the University or Medical Center you care most about by June 30th.

Make a Gift by June 30

Aerial view of Meliora Weekend,

Save the date for Meliora Weekend 2024
Mark your calendars now for September 27–29, 2024 and stay tuned for more information about the weekend’s events, including the George Eastman Circle Member Celebration Reception, Hospitality Suite, Luncheon, and more!
Registration opening later this summer
Upcoming Events

As a valued member, we encourage you to visit our George Eastman Circle events page regularly for upcoming event opportunities. Here are just a few of the many exciting events coming up:

July 21: Wilmot Survivors Night at Innovative Field

September 21–22: Wilmot Warrior Weekend

September 27–29: Meliora Weekend

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