December 2012

Primo Installed as the Inaugural Gabrellian Professor 

Mark Gabrellian ’79, David Primo, Ph.D., and Trustee Ani Gabrellian ’84

An endowed professorship is an honor reserved for the University’s most distinguished faculty members. In just ten years, David Primo, Ph.D., an associate professor of political science and business administration, has proven to be among them. Primo holds a joint appointment at the School of Arts & Sciences and William E. Simon School of Business and is an expert in American politics, campaign finance regulation, and fiscal policy. On November 16, at The New York Palace Hotel in New York City, he was installed as the inaugural Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor.

Family, friends, colleagues, and University leaders gathered to recognize Primo’s excellence in education and research. At the same time, Trustee Ani Gabrellian ’84 and her husband, Mark Gabrellian ’79, were celebrated for their commitment to the University—from their charter membership in the George Eastman Circle to their support of endowed funds for undergraduate research and innovation, and now, this professorship. Because of its enduring nature, the Gabrellian Professorship ensures the University has the ability to attract and retain scholars of Primo’s quality for generations.

“When I met Mark and Ani, they described, in vivid terms, their desire to not only strengthen the University, but strengthen the University experience of students, by helping to cultivate a generation of professors that would span disciplines. In effect, that is the ultimate aspiration we have as a University,” said President Joel Seligman. “It is very rare that people speak so selflessly and so wisely about their ambition.”

The Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professorship embodies the couple’s shared belief that society’s challenges will increasingly require problem-solving approaches that transcend individual disciplines. It also recognizes a growth in multidisciplinary interests among academics and students, as was the case during the Gabrellians’ undergraduate experience; Mark studied political science and history, and Ani studied political science and economics. In his remarks, Peter Lennie, provost and Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences and Engineering, noted there are few alumni as interesting, engaged, and committed as the Gabrellians.

From the perspective of Joanna B. Olmsted, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, Primo exemplifies the kind of professor the Gabrellians had in mind when they established this professorship. “David had already written the description for the incumbent of this position,” said Olmsted alluding to Primo’s work, involvement within the University, and his accomplishments. “He easily straddles various disciplines from the most rigorous theoretical and methodological analyses, crossing into areas of regulation, politics, and government where they intersect with business operations.”

Primo’s current research focuses on corporate strategy in political and other “non-market” environments. He is an award-winning author and is frequently quoted in national media, such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, on topics ranging from government spending and legislative rules to the politics of airline safety and security.

Values and Action

I recently revisited a list of principles John D. Rockefeller, Jr. included in a speech he gave in 1941. These are words of guidance and inspiration that he described as fundamental and eternal. They have always resonated with me, and as the year comes to a close, I would like to share one of these with you.

"I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty."

Here, Mr. Rockefeller describes a way of living that is embodied by our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and talented students, faculty, staff, and friends. In a way, he is describing life lived in the spirit of Meliora. In the past year, these shared values have fueled The Meliora Challenge. The leadership, philanthropy, and progress we have enjoyed throughout 2012 have furthered our Campaign goals. In each milestone and accomplishment, I see the manifestation of our mission. We are succeeding in our mission to make the world “ever better” because that is what we believe in. I am proud to have all of you as my partners in this ongoing endeavor. Your commitment is steadfast and your efforts are tireless, and you consistently rise to the challenges we face. Thank you for another remarkable year.

Soon, if not already, many of you will begin to partake in cherished holiday traditions with family, friends, and loved ones. Enjoy them!

Happy holidays to you and your family. I wish you all the very best in the New Year.

Meliora!

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

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Mavrinac Installed as Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean

From left to right: Life Trustee Andrew Neilly ’47, Janet Neilly, Vice President and University Dean Paul Burgett ’68E, ’72E (PhD), Mary Ann Mavrinac, Ed.D., her husband Peter van Schie, her father Joseph Mavrinac, President Joel Seligman

In today’s world, the University’s libraries are critical to understanding increasingly complex and constantly changing technology for accessing and organizing data. Meeting this responsibility requires a leader with an extraordinary combination of technical knowledge, management skill, and the experience to help faculty and students successfully navigate burgeoning sources of information. The University has appointed Mary Ann Mavrinac, Ed.D., an expert in library learning spaces, to meet the challenge.

On December 3, Mavrinac was installed as the Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean of River Campus Libraries. The Hawkins-Carlson Room of Rush Rhees Library was filled to capacity in celebration of her appointment and recognition of University Life Trustee Andrew Neilly ’47 and his wife, Janet Neilly, for their decades of generous and loyal support of the Libraries.

“A great university is the consequence of great faculty, great students, but also the great work of many leaders over generations,” said President Joel Seligman. “In welcoming Andy and Janet, we recognize that they are among the leaders who have made this University and these Libraries the exceptional institutions they are today.”

In 2000, the Neilly Dean became one of the few named library deanships in the nation, bringing prominence to the position and emphasizing the Libraries’ importance at Rochester. Today, programs designed to contribute to the intellectual life of the University receive support through their endowment, including the Libraries’ Neilly Lecture Series. The Neilly Series invites distinguished writers—several of whom have been Pulitzer Prize winners—to give lectures on campus for the purposes of encouraging community involvement and interest in the Library. The Neillys continue to provide leadership to the Libraries as members of the Libraries Advisory Council and remain committed to supporting the University as Charter Members of the George Eastman Circle. As the third Neilly Dean, Mavrinac enriches a great legacy.  

 “Today, libraries are at the heart of any thriving research university. The quality of the institution can be directly linked to the quality of its libraries,” said Peter Lennie, provost and Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences and Engineering. He added the constant evolution of a library’s role, especially now in this digital age, underscores the importance of this position. “This is why we are so fortunate to now have Mary Ann. We could not be more pleased to have her leading the River Campus Libraries.”  

For 10 years, Mavrinac served as chief librarian at the University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus, part of the University of Toronto Libraries that are ranked third among academic research libraries in North America by the Association of Research Libraries. During her tenure, she was integral to the planning and completion of the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre, which has become an academic hub that sees more than 1.3 million visits per year. She has also authored and lectured widely on topics that include the library’s place in the digital era, leadership, and mentoring.

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2012: A Year of Milestones

October 21 marked one year since the public launch of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. The anniversary of the Campaign’s public launch, the George Eastman Circle’s growth, and the groundbreaking of the largest capital project in University history were among many milestones and achievements enjoyed throughout the past year. To view some of the highlights and accomplishments from 2012, click here.

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November 2012

Storybook Gala Benefits Pediatrics

With Mark Siewert (far left), chair of Golisano Children's Hospital Board of Directors, past and present chairs of the Department of Pediatrics were recognized for their service. From left: Robert Haggerty ’51M (Res), Kathy Wissler (on behalf of Robert Hoekelman, M.D.), Nina Schor, M.D., Ph.D., and Elizabeth McAnarney ’70M (Flw)

In the excitement of celebrating the groundbreaking of a new building, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that, once upon a time, there was no Golisano Children’s Hospital. A storybook-themed 25th annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Gala, held on October 20 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, focused on the history of the children’s hospital and the Department of Pediatrics. Through live and silent auctions, almost 900 guests helped ensure more stories end “happily ever after” by generously giving more than $800,000.

As part of the evening’s theme, the elegantly dressed guests were joined by several storybook characters from their childhood such as Curious George, the Cat in the Hat, Eloise, and others. In the guise of Little Miss Muffet, Howie Jacobson, vice-chair of the Children’s Hospital Board of Directors, led a dinner program that honored five of the Department of Pediatrics’ past and present chairs for their regional and national achievements in pediatric medical care: Robert J. Haggerty ’51M (Res), the late David Smith ’58M (MD), ’92 (HNR), Robert A. Hoekelman, M.D., Elizabeth R. McAnarney ’70M (Flw), and the current William H. Eilinger Chair of Pediatrics and Pediatrician-in-Chief Nina F. Schor, M.D., Ph.D.

Each chair has played an important role in the improvement of pediatric medicine in our region and throughout the world. Haggerty and Hoekelman emphasized the importance of community pediatrics and the benefits of collaboration. Smith helped to develop the Hib vaccine that has saved the lives of countless children all over the world. McAnarney, the first female chair, established several programs to meet the needs of teens. And Schor, whose tenure began in 2006, has led Golisano Children’s Hospital to increased national recognition.

The funds raised throughout the evening will support the new hospital and many of its programs, as part of the $100 million Golisano Children’s Hospital campaign. Launched publicly at last year’s black-tie gala, the campaign supports major enhancements to several pediatric programs. It is also part of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s $650 million campaign and the overall $1.2 billion goal of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester.

To see photos from the gala, click here.

Values and Action

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of what matters most. Recently, I have found myself reflecting on our Community of Leaders more than ever. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, I have been in touch with many of our volunteers, alumni, and friends. Many have offered to help members of the University family who are in need and live in their areas. For this, I am profoundly grateful. It is a joy to see the bonds of our community holding strong during a time of great need.

The year following the public launch of our Campaign has been remarkably rewarding. I am thankful to have your partnership, your investment, and your dedication in our great shared endeavor. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of all who are served and touched by the University. I think it is also important that we take time to appreciate those who came before us; those whose hard work and commitment put us in the position to enjoy this opportunity to live our motto of Meliora. We honor their memories by becoming the worthy ancestors of future generations.

Please take a moment to think about the Rochester people who have had a positive influence on your life and how you are making a difference in the lives of others. Although the imminent danger has passed, Superstorm Sandy continues to have an impact on the region. To those who are still being affected, you are always in our hearts and minds.

Meliora!

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

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Wentworths Support
Mission of Education

Robin Wentworth P’11, P’16 and Timothy Wentworth P’11, P’16

University parents Robin Wentworth P’11, P’16 and Timothy Wentworth P’11, P’16 have made a $1 million gift to the Warner Graduate School of Education that will support the school’s long-term facility needs. In recognition of their generosity, the core space within the new Raymond F. LeChase Hall will be known as the Wentworth Atrium.

“Tim and Robin are wonderful examples of parents at the University who are helping lead the way for future generations of students,” said President Joel Seligman. “K–12 education is a critical aspect of American education, and with this new facility to support its programming, the Warner School of Education will be able to strengthen programs in Rochester and influence models and research of national consequence.”

The Wentworths have been engaged volunteers and generous supporters of the College since their first daughter came to the University. Two years ago, they established the Wentworth Family Endowed Scholarship for deserving community college transfer students, like they once were. The Wentworths graduated from Monroe Community College, and then went on to pursue educational and professional opportunities outside of Rochester. Their most recent gift to the Warner School of Education was made out of grateful appreciation to the University for its mission of education and research.

LeChase Hall is expected to be ready for classes in January 2013. The $24 million structure will enable the school to strengthen its existing programs and stay at the forefront of education. Wentworth Atrium will unify the top three floors.

“When we were designing this building and particularly the atrium, we were envisioning an open, vibrant space that serves as a hub for the Warner School community and opens us up to the larger campus and Rochester educational community,” said Raffaella Borasi, dean and Frederica Warner Professor at the Warner School of Education. “We are incredibly grateful to the Wentworths for sharing our vision for the potential of the building as a community resource.”

The Wentworths are dedicated participants in the University community serving as members of the Northern New Jersey Regional Cabinet, the University’s Parent Council, and co-chairs of the Executive Committee and the Parents Initiative for the University Campaign Cabinet. They are also members of the George Eastman Circle at the Member level.

For more information, click here.

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Kreipe Installed as the Inaugural
Dr. Elizabeth R. McAnarney Professor 

From left: Roger Friedlander ’56, Elizabeth McAnarney ’70M (Flw), Richard Kreipe ’81M (Flw), and Carolyn Friedlander ’68 PNP

Founding director of the Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital, Richard E. Kreipe ’81M (Flw) has dedicated his career to shining a light on the private and very serious issue of adolescent eating disorders. Early last month, Kreipe was installed as the inaugural Dr. Elizabeth R. McAnarney Professor in Pediatrics Funded by Roger and Carolyn Friedlander.

At the Country Club of Rochester, University trustees, leadership, friends, and family gathered to celebrate Kreipe’s exceptional work and to recognize the philanthropy of two pillars within the University and City of Rochester communities: Trustee Roger Friedlander ’56 and his wife, Carolyn Friedlander ’68 PNP.

“One would be hard pressed to find any acre of this great campus that has not been touched in some way by Roger and Carolyn,” said President Joel Seligman. “This professorship installation tonight highlights once again, the love and dedication they both have for the University of Rochester. All of us are deeply grateful to Roger and Carolyn for this very generous gift, which will support faculty of the highest order in this very important area.”

The Friedlanders are longtime supporters of the University and the Medical Center. In addition to being George Eastman Circle members at the Patron level, they have shown their dedication through endowed scholarships, capital improvements to Rush Rhees Library and the Eastman School of Music, and their participation in councils and boards across the University. With this particular gift they honored respected friend Elizabeth “Lissa” McAnarney ’70M (Flw), professor and chair emerita of pediatrics, for her lifetime of work benefitting children.  

“As pediatrician-in-chief at Golisano Children’s Hospital, Lissa played a key role in transforming the hospital into a leading pediatric care and research institution,” said Bradford C. Berk ’81M (MD), ’81M (PhD), University senior vice president for health sciences and CEO of the Medical Center. “Throughout her career, Lissa helped set a standard to which physicians aspire.”

Kreipe had the fortune of being McAnarney’s protégé and receiving invaluable guidance and counsel throughout his career. Thanks, in part, to her tutelage, Kreipe has gone on to become one of the most knowledgeable eating disorder specialists in the country. He has published numerous research studies, articles, book chapters, position papers, and reviews on the topic, and is a consultant to the American Psychiatric Association regarding diagnostic criteria for eating disorders in young people.

“It is our good fortune to have Rich at the University. His talents as a clinician, researcher, and administrator have made a significant impact for more than 30 years,” said Mark Taubman, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry. “Those same attributes will allow him to expand his research endeavors and further improve the treatment and care of adolescents. He truly exemplifies ‘Medicine of the Highest Order.’”

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Bushinsky Installed as the Inaugural
John J. Kuiper Distinguished Professor 

From left: Paul Levy ’86M (Res), David Bushinsky, M.D., Dean Mark Taubman, M.D., and John Kuiper ’65M (Res)

On October 24, David A. Bushinsky, M.D. was installed as the inaugural John J. Kuiper Distinguished Professor. Bushinsky, chief of nephrology at the Medical Center, is a nationally recognized expert in kidney disease whose cutting-edge research on bone mineral metabolism has helped advance the understanding and treatment of a broad range of renal disorders, including chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder.

Held at the Witmer House in Rochester, the event commemorated the efforts of two nephrologists that will help move the Nephrology Department into a new tier of excellence. Guests celebrated Bushinsky’s outstanding service and accomplishments as both a faculty member and scholar. At the same time, John J. Kuiper ’65M (Res) was honored for his visionary philanthropic support that will have an enduring impact at the Medical Center for years to come.

President Joel Seligman expressed his gratitude for Kuiper’s generosity, which enabled the professorship to be established. “Dr. Kuiper is using this wonderful gift to help the Medical Center achieve its goal of ‘Medicine of the Highest Order’ in this critical area of practice,” said Seligman. “We are thankful to him for this, and are pleased to establish this professorship here today in his name.”

Kuiper’s gift is distinctive in that he is the first Internal Medicine resident who is not also a graduate of the School of Medicine and Dentistry to establish an endowed professorship. Kuiper completed his medical degree at Cornell Medical College in 1961 and came to Rochester for his residency. The establishment of the professorship was the product of a keen desire to help the University—of which he has vivid memories from his beginnings in medicine—attract and retain the very best researchers and educators within his own field.

Faculty support is one of the priorities of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester, which seeks to create 80 new endowed professorships. In his remarks, School of Medicine and Dentistry Dean Mark Taubman, M.D. explained that professorships grant scientists the freedom to pursue research projects that hold the most potential for medical breakthroughs. “Thanks to the professorship funded by Dr. John Kuiper, David and his colleagues will have the freedom to push the envelope in nephrologic research,” said Taubman.

Through innovative research, Bushinsky has developed a strain of rats that exhibit the most common metabolic abnormality found in humans who form kidney stones. The discovery has allowed him to make fundamental advancements in their treatment and prevention. Bushinsky’s research has been consistently funded by the National Institutes of Health for three decades, and he has lectured on his work throughout the world. Bushinsky is also supporting the Campaign as a Charter member of the George Eastman Circle.

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Goettler Installed as the Inaugural
James N. Doyle, Sr. Professor

From left: Ron Goettler, Ph.D., Allie Doyle, James Doyle Sr., and James Doyle Jr.

Entrepreneurship is an integral part of the William E. Simon School of Business, and on November 1, the school commemorated its third professorship in the field with the installation of Ronald Goettler, Ph.D., as the James N. Doyle, Sr. Professor in Entrepreneurship. Goettler, associate professor of business administration at the Simon School, is an accomplished scholar who has done wide-ranging research, covering topics such as quantitative marketing, industrial organization, and finance.

Members of the Simon School and University communities gathered in the Hawkins-Carlson Room of Rush Rhees Library to recognize Goettler as an outstanding faculty member and to honor James N. Doyle Jr. for his philanthropy and his father, James N. Doyle Sr., the man who inspired it. Goettler and the Doyles were joined by their respective families, making the event, in many ways, as much about family as it was about celebrating entrepreneurship at the Simon School.

“I can think of few greater privileges than participating in a ceremony where children have created an endowed professorship in their father’s name,” said President Joel Seligman. “The James N. Doyle, Sr. Professor in Entrepreneurship will be a permanent part of the University of Rochester and will bring outstanding faculty to the Simon School long into the future.”

Doyle Jr., executive director of ProVenture Ltd., established the professorship in his father’s name to honor his 15-year career with the Simon School as an executive professor of business administration. During his tenure, Doyle Sr., who lectured in areas that included marketing, general management, and entrepreneurship, oversaw the Kauffman Entrepreneurial Internship Program. The program matched second-year M.B.A. students with local start-ups, where they were involved in significant projects, working closely with CEOs and senior managers.

In recent years, Doyle Jr. has been active within the Simon School as a frequent lecturer in entrepreneurship classes. With the creation of this professorship he has helped the University continue to emphasize the importance and enhance the prominence of entrepreneurship as an academic field, as remarked upon by Duncan T. Moore ’71 (MS), ’74 (PhD), the Rudolf and Hilda Kingslake Professor of Optical Engineering and vice provost of entrepreneurship. Overall, professorships bring prestige to the faculty positions they support. This function is critical to the University’s efforts to attract and retain the best and brightest in their fields, of which Goettler is a shining example.

“You always aspire for your faculty to be the best possible example to their colleagues, the outside world and, most importantly, to our students,” said Mark Zupan, dean of the Simon School, speaking on Goettler. “Ron is a true ‘keeper’ in this regard. He has already helped us with alumni advisory board meetings; he enjoys playing an active role in faculty meetings and interacting with students; and he has volunteered, without being asked, to help Simon philanthropically. Ron realizes that involvement on such dimensions is part of the fabric that helps build a great institution.”

Goettler has two master’s degrees and a doctorate, all in economics, from Yale University. His works have been published in various academic journals, including the Journal of Political Economy, the RAND Journal of Economics, and the Journal of Marketing Research.

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Wine Auction Benefits
Pediatric Surgery

On November 10, the 12th annual Toast to Your Health Fine Wine Auction was held at the Robert B. Wegman Conference Facility in Rochester. Hosted by Wegmans and featuring distinguished guests Sherwood I. Deutsch and Michael H. Misch, the black-tie gala raised funds to benefit the Division of Pediatric Surgery at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Every year, guests' generosity supports crucial patient- and family-centered care and research initiatives at the Medical Center. This year, with the help of wine aficionados and supporters of the children's hospital and Medical Center, the sold-out auction of 400 attendees, chaired by Marc D. Tommasi ’86 of Manning and Napier, impressively raised more than $850,000 in net proceeds.

Since the division’s founding in the mid-1990s, Golisano’s pediatric surgeons have saved, and changed, the lives of thousands of children. During the event, a video featured two of these children, James Daniels and Hailey Coniber, as a reminder of the remarkable work performed every day by Golisano Children's Hospital’s surgeons. While the number of seriously ill children coming here for help is increasing, there is a critical shortage of pediatric surgeons nationwide.

Funds raised during the event will help ensure that Golisano Children’s Hospital can provide the highest quality and most innovative care for children and their families, promote excellence in the pediatric surgical field, and foster a vibrant and viable community of pediatric surgeons. 

“Thanks to our generous hosts, Danny and Stency Wegman, and our devoted sponsors and guests, particularly the John L. DiMarco Family and Earthlink Business, our pediatric surgeons will be able to help the most ill children not only in Rochester, but from across the Northeast,” said Bradford C. Berk ’81M (MD), ’81M (PhD), CEO of the Medical Center and senior vice president for health sciences.

Click here for a photo gallery of the 2012 Toast to Your Health Wine Auction.

Click here to view the video shown at the auction.

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October 2012

University Community Celebrates
12th Annual Meliora Weekend

Keynote speaker Barbara Walters speaks with President Joel Seligman after her Meliora Weekend 2012 keynote address.

The first Meliora Weekend since the launch of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester provided another event-rich, fun-filled celebration of the spirit of Meliora. Class reunions, fascinating lectures by distinguished alumni, engaging presentations by faculty, and spirited entertainment by students and guest performers provided a breadth of opportunities to stimulate the hearts and minds of more than 6,500 people.

Veteran journalist Barbara Walters delivered the keynote address to a packed audience at Eastman Theatre’s Kodak Hall, Saturday, October 13. Walters offered insightful, thought provoking commentary on current events, with a particular emphasis on her experiences interviewing some of the world’s most influential people. On the lighter side, comedian and Emmy Award-nominated host Craig Ferguson, of CBS’s The Late Late Show, entertained Friday-night audiences in the Palestra with his sardonic take on the state of the world.

Nearly 700 members of the George Eastman Circle, the University’s leadership annual giving society, attended the weekend filled with diverse programming. On Friday, members attended an exclusive event with award-winning journalist Jim Lehrer. Lehrer's remarks focused on American politics, particularly the recent Romney-Obama debate and the debate process. After his remarks, Lehrer took questions from the audience.

A lively panel of experts, led by moderator Arthur Miller ’56, ’08 (LLD), debated the role of money in intercollegiate sports at "Miller’s Court: Intercollegiate Athletics—Who Are They Playing For?" Other signature programs included the Presidential Symposium hosted by Tom DiPiero, dean of humanities and interdisciplinary studies ; the “Medicine, Technology, and Innovation Luncheon,” where faculty and students from the Hajim School of Engineering and the School of Medicine and Dentistry discussed the synergies between technology and medical treatment; and a presentation by Rear Admiral Sean Pybus ’79, a career Naval Special Warfare SEAL officer, who shared his perspective on today's complex national security environment.

Opportunities to enjoy the arts were especially abundant this year due to Eastman Weekend, the Eastman School of Music’s reunion and family weekend, which is celebrated as a part of Meliora Weekend on a biennial basis. This year, Eastman celebrated the 150th anniversary of the radical musical innovator Claude Debussy’s birth with The Prismatic Debussy. Additionally, numerous student groups from across the University community demonstrated their diverse talents throughout the weekend.

The enduring popularity of Meliora Weekend is as much of a testament to the community’s affection for the University as it is a demonstration of a commitment to an “ever better” future. In all, the 12th Meliora Weekend was another to be remembered.

To view photos from the weekend, click here.

Values and Action

During our 12th Meliora Weekend, more than 6,500 members of the University community celebrated Meliora together. Alumni celebrated reunions and reconnected with faculty and each other. With current students, they also showcased their talents, engaged with visitors as University ambassadors, and participated in panel discussions. Parents saw our mission in action through a myriad of diverse programs. Friends toured campus, met with the scholars they support, and learned about the innovative work and important research being done here.

The memories created and the good times reminisced need not be confined to this special weekend. As Larry Cohen ’66 said, when he and his wife, Jane Cohen ’67, received the James S. Armstrong Alumni Service Award, "Little did you know you were creating another Meliora Moment in a lifetime of them."

Like Meliora Weekend, our Meliora Moments project provides the opportunity for our students, alumni, parents, and friends to connect with and take pride in being a part of the University community. Through personal accounts of experiences with the University, we are documenting what it means to be "ever better" and how this motto has, for many, become a guiding principle. It pleases me to report that we surpassed 300 Meliora Moments. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to share the story of how the University ignited Meliora within you. As a token of our gratitude, all participants will receive a “Meliora” pin.

To read my Meliora Moment, those of others, or to share your own, click here.

Meliora!

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

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The Meliora Challenge
Launches in the Midwest

On September 27, within the Grand Ballroom of the Trump Hotel in Chicago, the University kicked off its second regional campaign for The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. Along curved walls, 24-foot windows provided more than 120 guests stunning views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the city’s historic architecture, as they celebrated during the largest University event ever held in Chicago.

Trustee Gail Lione ’71, vice-chair of the central U.S. Campaign efforts, provided a welcome that put the scope and importance of the University’s Campaign ambitions in perspective. The Chicago/Midwest regional campaign, led by co-chairs Trustee Hugo Sonnenschein ’61 and Stephen Down ’88, ’95S (MBA), will support The Meliora Challenge by raising $14 million and surpassing 100 George Eastman Circle members in the Midwest.

“Here, in Chicago and throughout the Midwest, we are the University of Rochester,” said Sonnenschein who is also chair of the Chicago Regional Cabinet. “Rochester was great, is great, and is becoming even greater. ‘Ever better’ is our motto; it is now our challenge.”

Citing specific support from great supporters and friends of the University, President Joel Seligman highlighted the ways the Campaign’s momentum and success are visible throughout campus and closed with a message that looked toward the future and encouraged guests to “come home.”

School of Arts & Sciences student Kelsey Burritt ’13 spoke on how Rochester opened her eyes to a new world of creative expression through her many theater experiences. Additionally, Eastman School of Music student and soprano Adelaide Boedecker ’13E (MM) gave an outstanding vocal performance; she was accompanied by fellow Eastman student and exceptionally talented pianist Heather McEwen Goldman ’13E (MM).

Alumni, parents, and friends in Chicago and southern Wisconsin have already raised $5.6 million. In the rest of the Midwest, the University community has raised $5 million, giving the regional campaign a total of $10.6 million in momentum. Additionally, there are currently 45 George Eastman Circle members in the greater Chicago area and another 26 members in the Midwest.

“We are playing more than witness to this remarkable transformation; we are active participants,” said Lione. “This is our University. We own it. Together, we bear responsibility for its future, and our pride will determine its legacy.”

To view photos from the event, click here.

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University Honors 2012
Award Recipients

Rochester’s award recipients exemplify our mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and make the world ever better. This year, we are proud to recognize outstanding alumni and friends at multiple celebrations. With these awards, we honor their accomplishments, service, leadership, and dedication to the University and their communities. They continue to inspire others to make an impact on the world and are deserving of the warmest congratulations and thanks for their commitment to helping the University be “ever better.”

Click here to see photos of the 2012 award recipients.

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Gosnells Name New NICU
at Golisano Children’s Hospital

Georgia Gosnell and her late husband, Thomas, almost lost both of their daughters at birth. It is with that memory that they build on a long history of philanthropy by supporting nearly 1,200 babies born in the region each year who need intensive care. To help give our most vulnerable children the best chance at full, healthy lives, Mrs. Gosnell has committed $5 million to name the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the new Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Mrs. Gosnell has also supported a top priority of the Medical Center campaign through the creation of two professorships within the School of Medicine and Dentistry. The Georgia and Thomas Gosnell Distinguished Professorship in Palliative Care will be held by Timothy Quill, M.D., and the Georgia and Thomas Gosnell Professorship in Quality and Safety will be held by Robert Panzer, M.D.

“Georgia and Thomas have been great friends of the University—and countless other Rochester institutions—for many years. This gift and the new professorships they have created are part of their incredible philanthropic legacy,” said President Joel Seligman.

The Gosnells’ generosity will help fund the new Gosnell Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which will include 60 beds, and allow for renovations to be made to the current NICU space, where babies needing less acute treatment will receive highly specialized care. When Mrs. Gosnell had her children, decades ago, a NICU did not exist at Strong Memorial Hospital. Today, her support is enabling the development of a first-class facility and providing leadership to the Golisano Children’s Hospital’s $100 million campaign. The Children’s Hospital’s campaign is part of the Medical Center’s $650 million campaign and the overall $1.2 billion goal of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester.

“There are few ways to make a greater impact on a community’s future health than by ensuring babies the best start they can have in life, and the Gosnells’ gift is going to help us do just that,” said Bradford C. Berk ’81M (MD), ’81M (PhD), University senior vice president for health sciences and CEO of the Medical Center.

Mr. and Mrs. Gosnell met after World War II, where Mr. Gosnell served with the U.S. Navy, earning many honors, including a Purple Heart. Mr. Gosnell died in 2009, but his legacy lives on through his and Mrs. Gosnell’s philanthropy throughout the Rochester area. In addition to their support of the Medical Center, the Gosnells have given to the Rochester Museum & Science Center, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Al Sigl Center, Genesee Land Trust, and the Memorial Art Gallery, among other important Rochester institutions.

For more information, click here.

To learn how you can give your support to the Golisano Children’s Hospital, click here.

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Argento Endows Professorship at Eastman

One of the fundamental reasons the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music has become the nation’s leading music school and has maintained a reputation for having the highest standards in performance, scholarship, and creativity is its exceptional faculty. Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Dominick Argento ’58E (PhD) has made a commitment that will endow a professorship at $1.5 million and help perpetuate Eastman’s teaching excellence.

“Dominick Argento is one of Eastman’s most illustrious and admired graduates. We are in awe of his artistic achievements, and grateful for his exceptional generosity and commitment,” said Douglas Lowry, the Joan and Martin Messinger Dean of the Eastman School of Music. “His gift will support and enhance the work of our outstanding faculty in presenting new musical ideas, as well as adventuresome ventures in music teaching and performance.”

To honor Argento, the endowed position will be named the Dominick J. Argento Professorship. Argento's gift to an alma mater that gave him so much moves the Univesity closer to reaching its Campaign goal of establishing 80 new professorships, which now stands at 54.

“In addition to providing me with an extraordinary musical education, Eastman changed my life in much more significant ways,” said Argento. “More than just imparting to me particular compositional techniques, what I acquired from the School was a sense of confidence, instilled by Howard Hanson, Bernard Rogers, and Alan Hovhaness.”

Argento, one of America’s preeminent composers of lyric opera, has compiled a diverse oeuvre that also consists of major song cycles, orchestral works, and choral pieces for small and large ensembles, with commissions from singers and ensembles across the United States and Europe. Of these, he has received notable accolades for From the Diary of Virginia Woolf (Pulitzer Prize for Music, 1975) and Casa Guidi (Grammy Award, 2004).

For more information, click here.

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Burger Commits to Broad Student Support 

Coming from an undergraduate background that included playing field hockey and running track and field, Barbara J. Burger ’83 has a deep appreciation for the faculty support and well-rounded education she received at Rochester. To ensure future generations of students have similar experiences, Burger has committed $1 million to the University to support both academics and athletics.

Burger’s gift will be used to create the Barbara J. Burger Endowed Scholarship in the Sciences, which will support one or more undergraduates each year who are pursuing degrees in biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, or physics. Her commitment will additionally support two endowed professorships in the chemistry department in the names of Richard S. Eisenberg, the Tracy Hyde Harris Professor of Chemistry, and Professor Emeritus Andrew S. Kende. It will also support the Timothy G. Hale Endowment for Competitive Excellence in Athletics, which benefits the University’s cross country and track and field programs.

“Barbara Burger clearly shares the University’s commitment to developing students both in and out of the classroom,” said Joanna B. Olmsted, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. “Her generosity will make a difference for generations to come.” In addition to her recent philanthropy, Burger has shown longtime commitment to the University as a Charter Member of the George Eastman Circle.

Since graduating from Rochester, Burger earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from the Haas School of Business at Berkeley. She is currently a vice president at Chevron Corporation. Burger believes she gained many of the tools to build her successful career while working in the chemistry labs of Rochester professors Richard Eisenberg and Douglas Turner.

One of Burger’s professors left a particularly lasting impression, when she arrived 90 minutes late to her final exam. Rather than sticking to the rules, when the professor handed her the test paper, he told her to do what she could and promised to give her back the time she had lost. Throughout the years, moments like these have stayed with Burger who is still in touch with some faculty and continues to visit the campus.

“It’s like I never left,” she said. “And I now want to make sure other students have the same opportunities as I did.”

For more information, click here.

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September 2012

Golisano Children’s Hospital
Breaks Ground

B. Thomas Golisano breaks ground with children who have received care at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

September 10 marked an important step toward a new era of care for our region’s youth. With nine children who have benefitted from the care of Golisano Children’s Hospital, entrepreneur and philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano initiated construction of the new Children's Hospital at a groundbreaking ceremony.

“This is a proud day, when we can start building a world-class children's hospital for our region's children and families,” President Joel Seligman said. “We have already been delivering outstanding patient care, and this new facility is going to make Rochester a destination for pediatric care across upstate New York and the nation.”

As the Hospital's namesake, Golisano was the first called to grab a hard hat and shovel by Jennifer Johnson, 13WHAM News This Morning anchor. Shortly after, she called the names of children—each with a story of survival. Among those names was her daughter's, Grace Esposito, a 2012 Miracle Kid. Prior to calling everyone to the stage, Johnson shared the story of her daughter and the amazing staff who saved her life. Her incredibly moving testimony and the presence of the children provided a powerful representation of why this project is so important and who it stands to benefit most.

Bradford C. Berk ’81M (MD), ’81M (PhD), University senior vice president for health sciences and CEO of the Medical Center underscored what the Hospital means to Rochester and the community it serves. “This new hospital has given us a chance to take our goal of patient- and family-centered care to a whole new level,” Berk said. “Having the space to accommodate a patient’s family means they can truly be part of their child's care team. Children heal faster and more comfortably when they have their families with them while they are hospitalized.”

In its design stage, plans for the new hospital sought to put children and their families first, while instituting state-of-the-art upgrades to continue delivering “Medicine of the Highest Order.” Nina F. Schor, M.D., Ph.D., the William H. Eilinger Chair of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s Hospital, explained how the new design succeeds in accomplishing both goals. The 245,000-square-foot hospital constitutes $145 million of the Medical Center’s $650 million campaign, which supports the $1.2 billion goal of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. The new hospital is set to open in 2015.

In July of last year, Golisano’s $20 million lead gift made this momentous occassion possible. More recently, Georgia Gosnell and her late husband, Thomas, committed $5 million to name the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the new Children's Hospital. The Gosnell's philanthropy will help fund the hospital’s new Gosnell NICU, which will include 60 new beds.

Golisano and the Gosnells' tremendous generosity and leadership have given the largest capital project in University history incredible momentum. In order to sustain this progress, additional leadership and support are required. There are still many needs and many opportunities. Learn more about the new Children's Hospital and how you can give your support here.

To see photos from the groundbreaking, click here. 

Values and Action

Universities are in a season of beginnings. Probably the most clear among them is the new academic year. Some students are returning, while some are entering entirely new chapters of their lives. Recently, members of the undergraduate Class of 2016 gathered under the gaze of our George Eastman statue. Surrounding the Eastman Quadrangle, students participated in a new tradition: the annual Candlelight Ceremony. This is a key part of freshman orientation. The ceremony discusses the symbols, traditions, and world of which they are now a lifetime member.

Soon students will be joined by alumni, friends, parents, faculty, and staff to celebrate the bonds of our community and growth of our University at our 12th Meliora Weekend. This year also marks the return of Eastman Weekend, which is celebrated as a part of Meliora Weekend on a biennial basis.

At the Medical Center, we’ve broken ground for the construction of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital, and the pathways of the Memorial Art Gallery’s Centennial Sculpture Park have begun to take form. Between Wilson Commons and Morey Hall, Ronald Rettner Hall for Media Arts and Innovation will soon begin to take shape and it will not be long until Raymond F. LeChase Hall is alive with student activity. Later this month we will launch Chicago’s regional campaign, with Boston’s to follow soon after. It will be a busy, active, and vibrant fall.

We are also approaching the one year anniversary of The Meliora Challenge’s public launch, and with its passing, we begin a “new year.” As the Campaign moves forward, I ask you to remember this is your Campaign. We are all a part of the University community. For a comprehensive Campaign of this size to be successful, it must be “owned” and led by many. This is part of our Meliora Challenge. Thank you for your great partnership!

Meliora!

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

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The Meliora Challenge Heads for Chicago

Less than two weeks remain before Chicago’s celebration of The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. On September 27, the University of Rochester will launch the second in a series of regional campaign kickoffs that enable alumni, parents, and friends to learn about the University’s Campaign and its progress.

Chicago’s kickoff event will build on the success of the University’s spectacular regional campaign launch in San Francisco on June 5. At Trump Hotel, guests will enjoy conversation, dinner, and an outstanding musical performance in an atmosphere infused with the energy of The Meliora Challenge and its leaders. President Joel Seligman will join volunteers, faculty, and students to engage and inform attendees from the Chicago and Midwest regions.

The evening’s program will be highlighted by remarks from Trustee Hugo Sonnenschein ’61, chair of the Chicago Regional Cabinet and co-chair of the regional campaign, Stephen Down ’88, ’95S (MBA), co-chair of the regional campaign, and Trustee Gail Lione ’71, vice-chair of the Central U.S. Campaign efforts. Student Kelsey Burritt ’13 will speak on her University experience and Eastman School of Music students Adelaide Boedecker ’13E (MM) and Heather Goldman ’13E (MM) will reprise their musical roles after an outstanding performance in San Francisco.

It is a time to celebrate progress, meet and network with alumni from the region, and learn how to become involved. As the Campaign moves forward, regional campaign events stand to be the most exciting of the many ways in which Rochester presents opportunities for friends, near and far, to reconnect with the University. A third regional launch will be held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on October 29.

To register for the Chicago event, click here. If you are interested in registering for the Boston regional campaign event, click here.

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Eastman Weekend Celebrates Debussy

Eastman Weekend, the Eastman School of Music’s biennial reunion and family weekend, is here again. As part of Meliora Weekend, Eastman Weekend's activities will be held from October 11–14. Among this year’s exciting events is a three-week festival, which The New York Times has featured as part of its listing of the most compelling classical music programming for the fall season.

The Prismatic Debussy is a festival recognizing the 150th anniversary of French composer Claude Debussy’s birth. Debussy was a fiercely creative nonconformist and is, still today, one of the most significant composers in the history of Western music. Through concerts, lectures, and master classes, the festival explores a wide range of repertoire. The festival gets its start on Saturday, October 13, with a lavish multiple-ensemble concert called “Extravagant Debussy” in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.

Events celebrate not only the spectrum of creativity Debussy has inspired, but also the artistry and scholarship of the students and faculty at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music. Programming for The Prismatic Debussy will run until October 27. Beginning October 1, Debussy’s manuscripts and other rare materials will be on exhibit at Sibley Library. For more information on the Debussy festival click here. To read the article from The New York Times, click here.

To register for Eastman Weekend, click here. If you have questions about registration or the weekend’s events, please call 585–274–1111.

For those planning to attend Meliora Weekend, time to register is running out! Register today by visiting www.rochester.edu/melioraweekend.

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August 2012

Championing the Campaign for Simon

Simon School's Schlegel Hall

Dedicated members of the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration community Ron Fielding ’73 (MA), ’76S (MBA), Dan Lazarek ’91S (MBA), Joe Abrams ’74S (MBA) and Patricia Abrams, and Life Trustee James Gleason ’68S (MBA) recently provided a strong example of “giving back.” In addition to previous generosity, pledging these major gifts totaling nearly $7 million is helping to support three strategic initiatives for the Simon School’s campaign: faculty, students, and entrepreneurship. Advancing these initiatives, in conjunction with “program innovation” and “investment in facilities,” is how Simon is supporting The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester.

“We are very grateful to Ron Fielding, Dan Lazarek, Joe and Pat Abrams, and Jim Gleason for their generosity,” said Mark Zupan, dean of the Simon School. “Their support will help us to enhance our programs, attract and retain members of our renowned faculty, and make a Simon education possible for more students.”

Active alumnus and generous benefactor Ron Fielding pledged $5 million in scholarship support. Retired, after working more than 25 years in the municipal bond industry, Fielding has been a frequent and valuable guest lecturer. “I am happy to share the fruits of my business success with the Simon School, which helped me to bridge economic theory with business realities, giving me the ideal preparation to start and succeed at my own business,” said Fielding. Including his previous gifts, Fielding has now given more than $7 million in total scholarship support.

As a longtime member of the Simon School Executive Advisory Committee and National Council, Fielding provides guidance and leadership to Dean Zupan and senior administrators of the Simon School. He is also a George Eastman Circle Member at the Benefactor level.

Dan Lazarek, also a member of the Simon School Executive Advisory Committee and National Council, committed $1 million to support the student-run Simon School Venture Capital (VC) Fund. Lazarek is COO, CFO and co-founder of Access Insurance Holdings, Inc., one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the US; he also participated as a judge for the finals of this year’s Mark Ain Business Model Workshop and Competition. Dan is a Charter Member of the George Eastman Circle at the Benefactor level.

Joe Abrams and his wife, Patricia, pledged $750,000 to the Joseph and Patricia Abrams Endowed Fund for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Simon School. The Abrams’ gift supports positions promoting entrepreneurship or innovation. At the same time, the Abramses made a second commitment of $250,000 to the Abrams Family Fund for Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center. They are Charter Members of the George Eastman Circle at the Benefactor level. Mr. Abrams is a member of the Simon School Executive Advisory Committee and National Council.

James Gleason, chairman of the board of Gleason Corporation and chairman of the Gleason Foundation, committed $150,000 for Simon School scholarships and faculty support. Gleason’s long-standing support enabled the construction of James S. Gleason Hall in 2001 and the significant expansion of the Career Management Center. He is also a longtime member of the Simon School Executive Advisory Committee.

The Simon School has now surpassed $55 million in pursuit of its $85 million goal for The Meliora Challenge. These gifts ensure that the Simon School has the resources to recruit talented students, faculty, and intellectual leaders and continue to grow and compete with the best, for years to come. 

To learn more about these gifts to the Simon School, click here.

Values and Action

The difference between current success and ongoing success is long-term focus and adaptation. As my father always said, change is the first law of the universe. Nothing stays the same. Our aspirations inspire development and innovation in ourselves and the world around us. This restlessness exemplifies the Meliora spirit.

To ensure we stay at the forefront of all fields of our endeavors, we need to always be improving or, as we say at Rochester, be "ever better." If we are to build on the tremendous results of the last fiscal year, we must continue to approach our Campaign with a willingness to do things the hard way; the rigorous way; the Rochester way.

In this issue of Fast Forward we recognize individuals who are helping us sustain our progress through leadership and philanthropy. Their commitment and generosity to the University have enabled us to stay competitive with our peers and connect with our alumni and friends across the country. As we move forward, our Community of Leaders continues to be our greatest source of strength, focus, and embodiment of what it means to be "ever better."

Meliora!

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

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Regional Cabinets:
Building a National Network

Delaware Valley Regional Cabinet member Mark Garrison ’78, ’79S (MBA), P'11, P'16 at the Cabinet’s first annual dinner in Philadelphia

Regional Cabinets, a key University volunteer structure, are playing an integral role in The Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester. By helping to energize and engage alumni, parents, and friends of the University in their areas, Regional Cabinets are critical to making The Meliora Challenge a national campaign. Each Cabinet is composed of 15–20 individuals who have leadership roles within their community and have shown exemplary commitment to the future of the University. Here is a brief overview of Regional Cabinet activity from the first half of 2012: 

Inaugural Meetings

In these operational meetings Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer Jim Thompson stressed the Cabinets’ importance and the impact they can have on the University community in their areas. Discussion focused on the strengths of the area and how members can use them, as well as their passions, to increase the University’s regional presence through their individual efforts.

January 31—Northern New Jersey, Co-Chaired by Trustee Janice Willett ’78S (MBA) and Joseph Willett ’75S (MBA); Members: Jeffrey Baumel ’80, P’15, Ellie Bertin-Colucci ’82N, Nicholas Colucci ’81, Stephen Givant ’81, Elizabeth Jennison ’83, ’87M (MD), ’88M (Res), J. Peter Simon ’08S (LLD), Thomas Uhlman ’68, Robin Wentworth P’11, Timothy Wentworth P’11, and Ruth Zowader ’70, P’06, P’11

April 18—Texas, Chaired by Karen H. Brown ’61, ’72 (PhD), P’92; Vice-Chair, Houston, Philip Fraher ’93S (MBA); Vice-Chair, Austin/San Antonio, James Goral ’71, ’75M (MS), ’76M (MD); Members: Bobbe Barnes ’67, Gary Bischoping ’97S (MBA), James Cox ’64M (MD), Life Trustee Bruce Crockett ’66, Michael Durham ’73, Gerardo Flores ’92S (MBA), Charles Groat ’62, David Heller ’83E (MM), ’86E (DMA), Nicholas Jenkins ’81, ’89S (MBA), William Lasher ’66, Eric Lestin ’72, Peter Mann ’88, Frank Monachelli ’94, ’95S (MBA), Mark Osman ’63, Robert Potter ’57 (MA), ’60 (PhD), Stephen Shepard ’78S (MBA), Joseph Smith ’72, Gary Walter ’72, and B. Ann Wright ’63, ’66 (MA), ’77 (PhD)

June 28—New York City, Chaired by Trustee Bernard (Bernie) T. Ferrari ’70, ’74M (MD); Members: Neil Augustine ’88, ’89S (MBA), Daniel Cantor ’81, Irwin Engelman, Rosalyn Engelman ’78 (MS), Mark Gabrellian ’79, Michael Lax ’75, Leslie Spira Lopez ’77, Arthur Miller ’56, ’08 (LLD), Jack Rowe ’70M (MD), ’02M (ScD), P’93, Barry Swidler ’77, P’05, and Tyler Zachem ’88

First Annual Dinners

The following Cabinets hosted alumni, parents, and friends of the University from their area to celebrate the University and its connections in the region. Dinner guests received a University update from President Joel Seligman and enjoyed vocal performances from University of Rochester students.

May 4—Delaware Valley, Chaired by Joseph Serletti ’82M (MD), ’88M (Res)
June 19—Westchester-Fairfield Counties, Chaired by Mark Camel ’77

Additionally, the University recently celebrated the launch of its first regional campaign thanks to the leadership of the San Francisco Bay Regional Cabinet and campaign Co-Chairs Trustee Carol Karp ’74, P’11 and Joe Abrams ’74S (MBA), P’02. In late September, the University plans to launch its second regional campaign in Chicago; Boston’s campaign is scheduled to be launched the following month, in October.

Since January 2010, 11 Regional Cabinets have been formed, with a combined total of more than 150 members. Ongoing outreach activities foster continuous growth in the Regional Cabinet network. A 12th Cabinet will be launched in San Diego in early 2013.

To see photos of Regional Cabinet members, click here.

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Meliora Weekend Spotlight

Dandelion Square

Rochester’s 12th Meliora Weekend will be taking place October 11–14. Each year, the weekend provides the University community with a diverse array of more than 200 programs. Representing every aspect of Rochester’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and make the world ever better, programming includes panels and lectures, reunions and open houses, sporting events, musical performances, art exhibits, and more. The following programs are among the many other exciting and engaging programs this year's line-up has to offer:

Presidential Symposium: The Humanities, Artistic Expression, and the Digital Age: Innovation and Opportunities. The Presidential Symposium brings together distinguished professionals from a specific field, for spirited debate and discussion on topical issues. This year’s panelists include Tod Machover, Muriel R. Cooper Professor of Music and Media at the MIT Media Lab and director of the Lab’s Hyperinstruments and Opera of the Future Groups; Katherine Hayles, professor and director of graduate studies in the Program in Literature at Duke University; and Stanley Fish, Davidson-Kahn Distinguished University Professor of Humanities and Law at Florida International University. University Trustee Hugo Sonnenschein ’61, president emeritus and distinguished service professor at the University of Chicago, will moderate.

Protecting America: A View from the Commander, Naval Special Warfare (SEALs). Several programs throughout the weekend provide opportunities to learn from faculty and alumni. “Protecting America” offers a distinctive experience through a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of the men and women defending our country. We are privileged to have Rear Admiral Sean A. Pybus ’79, a career naval special warfare SEAL officer, share his perspective on the contributions of the U.S. Navy and the Navy SEALs in today’s complex, national security environment. He will also talk about the qualities and roles of America’s Special Operations Forces and the challenges they face moving forward. Attendees are encouraged to stay for the question and answer period following his remarks.

Medicine, Technology, and Innovation Luncheon. Biotechnology and biomedicine are incurring dramatic changes in today’s ever-evolving world. In this luncheon discussion, University of Rochester faculty and students will share insights on medical device technology, biomarkers and other early-detection and diagnostic tools, as well as treatment, enhancements to noninvasive procedures, and tissue engineering. Participants include Robert L. Clark, dean of Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and interim senior vice president of research; Amy Lerner, associate professor of biomedical engineering; Ankur Chandra, assistant professor of vascular surgery; and Rachel Rakvica, one of the first graduates of the new medical technology innovation master’s program.

To see photos of the speakers, click here.

For more information on Meliora Weekend programming, click here.

The Eastman School of Music will be holding its biennial Eastman Weekend concurrently with Meliora Weekend. Programming will include recognition of the 1961-62 Eastman Philharmonia European Tour and a tribute to Eastman’s legendary jazz professor and renowned arranger, Rayburn Wright.

Registration for these and other events begins this month. Watch your mail; registration materials will be coming to your home soon.

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