Summer 2025
Meliora! Remarks from the University’s Annual Giving Chair
As I look back on my time as Annual Giving Chair, I think about the early days of the George Eastman Circle, when our ambitious goal was 250 members nationwide; today, we’re a global community of more than 3,600 strong.
You have helped change the world through the gift of your membership, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve alongside such a passionate and generous community. Your collective impact has been nothing short of transformational—supporting students, faculty and staff, patients, the arts, and researchers, all of which contributed to shaping a better future for all.
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.
As I step away from this role, I do so with immense pride in what we’ve accomplished together and great excitement for what lies ahead. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce Ria Nova ’98, who will serve as the next Chair of Annual Giving, and partner with fellow board of trustee member and the George Eastman Circle chair, Evans Lam ’83, ’84S (MBA) to continue our momentum.
Ria is a dedicated University of Rochester alumna, a member of the Board of Trustees, a proud George Eastman Circle member, and a tireless advocate for our University. Her energy, vision, and deep commitment to our mission make her the perfect person to lead us into this next chapter. I am confident she will build on our momentum and inspire even greater impact.
I would be remiss not to mention that 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.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for joining me on this remarkable journey. I’ll always be a proud member of the George Eastman Circle—and I look forward to cheering all of you on as we continue to be ever better.
Meliora,
Gwen M. Greene ’65
Board of Trustees Member
University Annual Giving Chair
Celebrating the class of 2025
On May 16, Rochester celebrated its 175th Commencement ceremony, conferring academic degrees to more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Family, friends, faculty, staff, community members, and distinguished guests celebrated the graduates in person and online from across the globe. Photo by Lauren Petracca
Wilmot Cancer Institute earns prestigious National Cancer Institute designation
This designation marks a milestone that will transform cancer care and research in Rochester and beyond. Wilmot joins an elite class of cancer centers—the top 4 percent in the country—that have been through a rigorous evaluation process and selected to be at the forefront of research, community engagement, education and training, and life-saving care.
Ian Krager ’22: Congressional communications director meets the press
Ian Krager ’22 didn’t just study political science—he turned it into a purpose-driven career on Capitol Hill. Now a congressional communications director, Ian is giving back by sharing honest, practical advice with students and new grads navigating their own next steps.
From building confidence to reaching out for informational interviews, his insights are all about helping others find their footing—and their purpose—after college.
My Rochester Story: Jamal Holtz ’20
In his first year on campus, he got involved immediately—serving on the student government and eventually becoming the Students Association president. As a first-generation student, he worked to create a community where all students could thrive as their authentic selves, promising to “make our hive a home.” He brings that feeling of community to his clients—from the government sector, to health care, to public schools and universities.
“This place is a home and the very least that I can do is pour back into the people who poured into me.”
Life Lessons that shaped the CEO and Dean
What shapes a leader? For Dr. David Linehan, it wasn’t just med school. It was watching his parents care for others, grieving the loss of his sister, and standing beside patients and families in their most vulnerable moments. These early experiences taught him how to lead—with empathy, resilience, and purpose.
Now CEO of URMC and Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dr. Linehan carries those lessons into every decision he makes. His story is a reminder that great leadership starts with listening—and never forgetting where you come from.
Save the date for Meliora Weekend 2025
Mark your calendars now for September 18–21, 2025 and stay tuned for more information about the weekend’s events, including the George Eastman Circle Member Cocktail Reception, Hospitality Suite, Breakfast, and more!
Upcoming Events
As a valued George Eastman Circle member, we invite you to explore new experiences through our members-only events. Visit our event page regularly to discover upcoming opportunities to connect, learn, and engage. Here are just a few highlights:
June 17: George Eastman Circle Fellows+ Virtual Speaker Series
June 18: Boundless Possibility, London
June 20–28: Rochester International Jazz Festival
June 24: 56th Annual Garden Party
July 25: Wilmot Cancer Institute Survivors Night
August 13: George Eastman Circle Impact in Focus Reception, Rochester
August 27: George Eastman Circle Virtual University Update with President Mangelsdorf
September 18–21: Meliora Weekend 2025
September 27–28: Wilmot Warrior Weekend
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