Values and Action
For the last 130 years, George Eastman’s company, Kodak, has been a fundamental part of our University and the Rochester community. At times, the media’s somber depiction of the company’s future has implied that there is a dark cloud over Rochester. Duncan T. Moore, the Rudolf and Hilda Kingslake Professor of Optical Engineering and vice provost for the Center for Entrepreneurship, recently provided illuminating commentary for The New York Times addressing this perception. Duncan suggests that while Kodak has declined in terms of employment, Rochester has remained economically robust.
Kodak’s presence in the Rochester community has provided it with diverse resources and a workforce of highly skilled creative professionals, well-positioned to become successful entrepreneurs. Additionally, we have strong centers of higher education, led by the University of Rochester, and offer a multitude of cultural institutions, which all help us continue to thrive. This is really a great place to live.
Here is a range of publications that provide broad evidence of our stability.
• Forbes—Best Places to Buy a Home (#1), Best Places in the Country to Raise a Family (#3), Most Affordable Cities in America (#7), and Most Innovative Cities in the U.S. (#14)
• The Daily Beast—America’s Smartest Cities (#10)
• Newsweek—America’s Best High Schools (10 of 35 are greater Rochester high schools)
• Business Facilities—Best Medical Devices and Equipment Region in U.S. (#7)
• Bloomberg Businessweek—Strongest Job Market in America (#15)
• St. Louis Business Journal—Job Growth in the Private Sector (#28)
The University continues to be an important linchpin to Rochester’s success. The Simon School’s recent international acclaim is one example of the resources the University provides. In London’s Financial Times, the Simon School was ranked in its “World’s Best Business Schools” for finance (#3), managerial economics (#4), and accounting (#7). Within the U.S., Simon tied with Stanford (#4) for salary progression. This is an amazing showing for Dean Mark Zupan and our beloved Simon School.
Kodak will always be an important part of our history and hopefully, our future. We will continue to move forward, inspired by our heritage and the very bright future we all share at the University of Rochester. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and the ways in which we contribute to society through learning, discovering, healing, creating—and making the world ever better. We are a city, University, and broad community of leaders to be greatly admired.
Meliora!
James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer
Smiths Provide Leadership Gift to Golisano Children’s Hospital
Golisano Children’s Hospital Campaign Co-Chair J. Michael Smith
J. Michael Smith and his wife, Alice, have committed $1.3 million to Golisano Children’s Hospital in support of The Meliora Challenge. Their gift will support pediatric programs and the construction of a new hospital dedicated solely to children. Mike is leading the Hospital’s $100 million campaign with Mark Siewert, co-chair and fellow Board member.
Mike was compelled to support the Children’s Hospital in 2006 when friends began introducing him to some of the Hospital’s leaders, and he joined the Board of Directors. “I started learning about all the things that went on in Golisano Children’s Hospital and all the immense challenges the Hospital was facing, despite the incredible difference the Hospital was making for families,” said Mike.
The Hospital’s needs and challenges influenced Mike's leadership and giving, as did the generosity of others. He was inspired by his friends, such as Hospital namesake, B. Thomas Golisano, and the passion and dedication of the Hospital’s leaders and staff. Nina F. Schor, M.D., Ph.D., pediatrician-in-chief, and the William H. Eilinger Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center, is grateful for the Smiths’ dedication to the region’s children.
“Mike is truly a community leader. We’re honored to have him play such an important role in the campaign, and are thrilled about Mike and Alice’s very generous donation,” said Dr. Schor.
Mike, a sustaining member of the George Eastman Circle, has always shared a passion for giving with his wife. Together they have served as honorary chairs for the Golisano Children’s Hospital Gala and been a part of the sponsorship committee for the Hospital’s annual Golf Classic. Their current gift bolsters the momentum for the Hospital’s $100 million campaign as part of the $650 million goal of the Medical Center and the overall $1.2 billion Meliora Challenge: The Campaign for the University of Rochester.
“When I agreed to be co-chair of the Golisano Children’s Hospital campaign, I knew that you really have to lead by example,” said Mike. “When you commit to really supporting something, you have to stand by it.”
Siewerts Leadership Gift Supports Pediatric Programming
Golisano Children’s Hospital Campaign Co-Chair Mark Siewert
Golisano Children’s Hospital Campaign Co-Chair, Mark Siewert, and his wife, Marcia, have made a commitment of $1 million to the Children’s Hospital campaign as part of The Meliora Challenge. Their gift will enable major enhancements to seven pediatric programs targeted by the campaign, while also supporting the construction of the Hospital’s new home. Mark Siewert and Campaign Co-Chair Mike Smith are truly leading by example.
“Not only is building the hospital important, but each one of the programs is also important,” said Mark, former owner of Siewert Equipment Company. “You really have to build both at the same time. You have to ratchet them both up.”
The Siewerts have an intimate understanding of just how important the programs of the Children’s Hospital are for those in need. Mark and Marcia’s son, Mark Daniel, required expert medical care beginning in 2002. The dedicated physicians, nurses, and staff became an integral part of their lives throughout a long and hard-fought battle. Mark Daniel lost his battle, yet with firm resolve, the Siewerts continue to give back to the Hospital that did so much to care for him.
The Siewerts’ contribution to the $100 million campaign is the most recent demonstration of their generosity and personal commitment to facilities and programming. Since 2002, Mark and Marcia have helped raise money that built a larger, more modernized pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and a new pediatric surgical suite, which has allowed parents to spend more time with their children, before and after surgery.
Nina F. Schor, M.D., Ph.D., pediatrician-in-chief at Golisano Children’s Hospital, and the William H. Eilinger Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center, commented on the Siewerts’ forward-thinking gift. “They understand that we need to endow positions and programs to improve them, and to ensure they are there and of high quality for future generations of children,” said Dr. Schor.
Mark took over duties as chair of the Children’s Hospital Board of Directors in June 2010, and campaign co-chair with fellow Board member Mike Smith. Mark and Marcia are looking forward to staying actively involved in the campaign and helping the Hospital continue to improve its facilities and its programs.
Simon School Dean’s Medal Presented to Trustee Barry Florescue ’66
President Joel Seligman, Barry Florescue ’66, and Dean Mark Zupan
Highly successful entrepreneur and investor Barry Florescue ’66 was awarded the Simon School Dean’s Medal for his extraordinary service, philanthropy, and inspirational leadership to the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration. The Dean’s Medal is among the highest honors given by the School.
Barry Florescue and Sharon Gustafson were joined in their Florida home by 120 guests, including Dean Richard Feldman, family, and close friends, to celebrate the award. President Joel Seligman, Dean Mark Zupan, and Florescue Fellow Melissa Martinez ’11S (MBA), shared remarks honoring Barry’s loyalty, devotion of time and energy, and the transformational impact he has had on the Simon School.
Barry’s most recent support has enabled the University to launch the Barry Florescue Undergraduate Business Degree Program. The program supports an innovative collaboration between the Simon School and the College by reestablishing the academic major Florescue pursued while a student of the University. Barry has also generously helped make a University of Rochester education possible for undergraduate and full-time M.B.A. students through the Florescue Family Foundation Scholarship and the Florescue Fellowship Fund.
“Barry has been steadfast in his support over the years, providing educational opportunity to top students at the University of Rochester and Simon who might not otherwise be able to run with their dreams. His strategic insight on the value that the Barry Florescue Undergraduate Business Degree Program will have over the decades to come to both the College and Simon, has paved the way for a fruitful partnership between our two units,” said Simon School Dean Mark Zupan. “The outcome of the partnership is bound to be the largest cross-disciplinary program at our University.”
Barry Florescue is chairman of the board and president of BMD Management Company Inc., a privately owned business that manages more than 30 commercial real estate properties. He is a Charter Member of the George Eastman Circle at the Founder level, and a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and the Simon School Executive Advisory Committee. Barry is the father of three children, Gretchen, Geremy, and Bryan.
J. Peter Simon ’08S (LLD) Awarded Simon School Dean’s Medal
Dean Mark Zupan and J. Peter Simon ’08S (LLD)
At the 25th Naming Anniversary celebration of the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration, J. Peter Simon ’08S (LLD) was awarded the Simon School Dean’s Medal―one of the highest honors given by the School. The Dean’s Medal recognizes extraordinary service, philanthropy, and inspirational leadership, as well as dedication and commitment to the University. Nearly 250 guests—comprised of the Simon School community, University of Rochester alumni, Dean Mark Zupan, President Joel Seligman, William E. Simon Jr., members of the Simon family, and the participants of the 32nd Annual New York Recruiting Program—celebrated Peter and the legacy established by his family at Union Square Ballroom in New York City.
“Peter's willingness to carry the torch that his father first lit for our School has been exemplary, as has been his leadership in the promotion and support of excellence at the Simon School,” said Dean Zupan. “Like our namesake, Peter is an ardent proponent of freedom and the vital role that entrepreneurship and free markets play in bettering society. We have been proud to carry his family's name for the past 25 years.”
Peter is a passionate advocate, mentor, and volunteer. He chairs the Simon School’s National Council and Executive Advisory Committee. Peter served as the School’s commencement speaker in 2008, when he was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree. His devotion to mentoring future leaders can be seen in his personal counsel of students. Peter provides internship and placement opportunities to students and graduates, and encourages new recruits to join the School’s program. Peter and his family have funded Simon Leadership Fellowships for more than 50 exceptional students who demonstrated a record of community involvement, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
In addition to his service to the School and University, Peter has a successful career as a global financial executive, and is co-chairman of William E. Simon and Sons, a private investment firm and global merchant bank with offices in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and New Jersey. He and his wife, Janet, are George Eastman Circle Charter Members at the Benefactor level. Peter is a member of the Northern New Jersey Regional Cabinet as part of The Meliora Challenge. They are the parents of four children, Peter Jr., Emily, Timothy, and Cameron.
Make Your Reservations Now:
March 15, 2012 GEC Dinner in New York City 
Maureen Dowd, The New York Times
columnist and bestselling author
Make your reservations now!
George Eastman Circle
NYC Annual Dinner
Keynote Address
by Maureen Dowd,
The New York Times columnist and
bestselling author
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Gotham Hall
1356 Broadway
New York, NY
To make your reservations, contact the Office of Donor Relations at 585-275-7393.