January 2014

A Meliora Message

Throughout January, you start to hear statistics like “a quarter of New Year’s resolutions don’t last through the first week” or that “only half last until the Fourth of July.” On the surface, that isn’t entirely encouraging. But there is a bright side.

Experts say to set realistic goals and make them measurable to achieve the best success.

Our resolution to make the University “ever better” has lasted for years and is still going strong. The Meliora Challenge has achieved great success because our goals, while lofty, have been realistic and measurable. We are continually moving closer to realizing our goal of $1.2 billion, but there remains work to be done—and we must be resolute.

As we move forward with the Campaign, let’s look beyond numbers to how we are making a difference. According to statisticbrain.com, the eighth most popular resolution is to “help others achieve their dreams.” And as Joel Seligman pointed out when we gathered to celebrate reaching the $1 billion Campaign milestone, “When we started the Campaign, we realized that it’s not about the dollars. Dollars enable you. The Campaign is about touching people’s lives.”

In light of that, maybe resolutions aren’t so discouraging after all.

Prince Gift Breathes Life
into Athletic Facilities

Brian Prince '86, '89S (MBA) with his family at the gift announcement in the Palestra

On January 17, the Louis Alexander Palestra was alive with men’s basketball action. After trailing for more than 35 minutes of the game, the Yellowjackets had worked their way to a three-point lead against the Case Western Spartans.

With less than three seconds on the clock, Case Western attempted an inbound pass; Rochester’s Dylan Peretz ’16 intercepted. Game over. The crowd was instantly on its feet in celebration, a moment highlighted by a sea of white t-shirts that read “Meet me at Prince.”

The “Prince” on the t-shirts was referring to a new multimillion-dollar project for the University’s outdoor athletic facilities, including Fauver Stadium. President Joel Seligman made the announcement during halftime and, with director of Athletics and Recreation George VanderZwaag, recognized Brian Prince ’86, ’89S (MBA), whose lead gift will enable significant renovation and expansion to the facilities over the next several years.

“Brian is a passionate alumnus and supporter of the University with a strong sense of dedication to our student-athletes,” said Seligman. “We are tremendously grateful to him for his gift, which will benefit our student-athletes, as well as our entire University community, with modern and attractive upgrades to our outdoor athletic facilities.”

Initial construction is expected to begin this summer and will include infrastructure and landscaping improvements to the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex, which encompasses Fauver Stadium and the baseball field area; the Lyman Outdoor Tennis Center; and the north field practice area. New brick and rail fencing and pilasters will outline the complex and heighten its visual appeal. Brian, president and chief executive officer of ORIX USA Corporation, made the gift in honor of his parents, Richard J. and Christine L. Prince, who were present for the announcement.

“I believe that athletics, whether varsity, intramural or recreational, are an important component of University life,” said Brian, who was recruited to the University's men's soccer program in 1982 and became team captain. “I am pleased to support the University's continued tradition of exemplary commitment to the educational value of athletics.”

Brian's longstanding philanthropy can be seen across the University. In 2003, he established the Prince Family Endowment for Men's Soccer in appreciation of his experiences and leadership opportunities as a student-athlete. Prince has also made a generous commitment to create the Prince Family Open Society Fund, which promotes democratic principles and open markets. Other areas he has supported include the Mary M. Parkes Asthma Center, the Eastman School of Music, the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, the Jeremy L. Glick Scholarship Fund, and fellowships and research at the Simon Business School.

To read the formal press release, click here.

[Go to Top]

Ching Installed as
Inaugural Lutz Professor

Mark Taubman, M.D.; Bradford Berk ’81M (MD), ’81M (PhD); Steven Ching ’74M (MD), ’81M (Res); Steven Feldon, M.D.; and President Joel Seligman.

Ask anyone who knew Adeline (Lynn) and Walter (Jack) Lutz, and you’re likely to find they all remember the same defining aspect about their relationship: they were best friends.

Lynn and Jack spent more than 50 wonderful years together. They traveled, played tennis, and mostly enjoyed each other’s company and their home. Although they are both deceased, they would have said the majority of their joy-filled years were made possible by their good friend Dr. Ching.

Lynn began having vision problems in 1987. For the next two decades, she would undergo 13 operations, including two corneal transplants, performed by corneal surgeon Steven S.T. Ching ’74M (MD), ’81M (Res). Over that time, Ching became more than her ophthalmologist; he became a close friend. It was this bond that led to Ching being named the inaugural Adeline Lutz Distinguished Professor in Ophthalmology.

On January 22, the University held a formal installation ceremony to honor Ching’s excellence as a surgeon and faculty member and posthumously recognize the Lutzes for their philanthropy toward the David and Ilene Flaum Eye Institute.

“Lynn and Jack were incredibly warm and kind to everyone they met, and while they are no longer with us, our community continues to benefit from their benevolence,” said President Joel Seligman. “This professorship ensures future generations will enjoy expert eye care in Rochester and will serve as a timeless testament to ‘Medicine of the Highest Order’ and the world class faculty at Flaum Eye Institute. Steve Ching is the perfect inaugural holder of the Lutz Professorship.”

The professorship is just one effect of the Lutzes giving the Institute most of their life savings—$6 million—in support of patient care and research. It was one of the largest gifts the Institute has ever received, and it was instrumental in helping to position the Institute as one of the top vision centers in the nation. The Lutzes’ generosity was recognized in 2009 when the building’s entrance was named the Adeline P. Lutz Pavilion. For Lynn, it was simply a way of saying “thank you” to Ching, whom she credited with saving her sight.

“Throughout Steve Ching’s 34-year career he has continuously provided a level of care to which all doctors should aspire,” said Mark Taubman, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry and University vice president for health sciences. “His dedication and compassion have made him an incredible mentor for medical students, residents, and fellows.”

Ching has been recognized for his excellence in teaching on several occasions, which includes being named “Mentor of the Year” for graduate education of residents and fellows. And because of his caring manner, his patients affectionately began referring to him as the “family practitioner of cornea transplantations.” Ching's compassion is just one of the attributes that has helped put him among the nation’s leading specialists in transplantations.

The Lutz Distinguished Professorship also received generous contributions from many throughout the University community. Upon Ching’s retirement, the position will be renamed in his honor as the Steven S.T. Ching, M.D. Distinguished Professorship in Ophthalmology.

To read more on Lynn and Jack’s gift, click here.

[Go to Top]