Values and Action
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“Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back.” Rockefeller Center is one of the great architectural projects of the 20th century and an icon for the world. We can appreciate this achievement better when we recall that this extraordinary building complex was envisioned and financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. during the depths of the Great Depression. The effort was the largest private construction project of that era. Throughout the 1920s, George Eastman worked in partnership with Rush Rhees and other leaders to transform the University of Rochester into a world-class research university. During the construction of the River Campus, on October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed and an economic depression began to spread across the globe. Through that challenging time, work on the River Campus continued unabated. President Rush Rhees dedicated campus on October 10, 1930, less than one year after the crash. We cannot help but see comparisons between the recent global financial downturn and the events of 80 years ago. We are similarly fortunate to have leaders in our community who understand that America’s research universities are essential to our nation’s economic success. Board Chair Ed Hajim’s transformational gift commitment in October and the tremendous support of the 1,082 donors who became charter members of the George Eastman Circle are just two examples of our shared commitment to the future of our University and to the development of our nation. Although we face significant challenges and difficult choices, our task remains to fulfill our shared vision and build a greater University of Rochester. Future generations and a better world depend on the decisions we all make today. As we move forward, let us not forget that we are making history together. Meliora, James D. Thompson |
Contents
- Spectacular Success of the George Eastman Circle Charter Phase
- Eastman’s Ying Quartet Thrills TheTimesCenter
- Legal Scholar Arthur R. Miller Establishes Professorship
- Reunion Giving Records Led by Classes of ’58 and ’83
- Friedlander Challenge Supports Eastman Theatre Project
- Eastman Alumna Maria Schneider Delivers World-Class Jazz Concert
- Upcoming Events
Features
Spectacular Success of the George Eastman Circle Charter Phase
The Charter Phase of the George Eastman Circle concluded December 31, 2008 with 1,082 members, more than four times its original goal of 250. Five-year commitments from this new leadership annual giving society total a remarkable $21 million. Donors designated their support to all of the University’s schools and units, including many areas in the Medical Center. Charter Members are the vanguard of a new generation of leaders for the University. Through their commitment, they are helping to strengthen the University and expand its service to and impact on the world.
The incredibly successful effort was led by a group of dedicated volunteer leaders including George Eastman Circle National Co-Chairs Larry Bloch ’75 and Tom Sloan ’65, ’67 (Mas), Chair of Annual Giving Programs Gwen Meltzer Greene ’65, and George Eastman Circle Vice Chairs Robert H. Hurlbut, Sr., R. Wayne LeChase, Nathan F. Moser ’75, Peter D. Standish ’64, Janice M. Willett ’78S (MBA), and Nathaniel Wisch, M.D. ’55.
The formation of the George Eastman Circle is a fundamental step in strengthening the University of Rochester. Through their inspirational support, Charter Members are laying the foundation for leadership Annual Fund support and helping to advance the University as it enters the next transformational period in its history. The George Eastman Circle effort is now focused on recruiting Sustaining Members, who will also make five-year commitments. By Meliora Weekend 2011, the goal is to have 2,000 Charter and Sustaining Members.
For more information, visit the
George Eastman Circle Website.
Take a look at Charter Phase highlights:
George Eastman Circle Photo Gallery
Eastman’s Ying Quartet Thrills TheTimesCenter
George Eastman Circle Charter Members were among a group of alumni, parents, and friends who enjoyed an evening at TheTimesCenter in New York City in December.
Charter Members gathered at a special holiday reception before hearing remarks from Board Chair Ed Hajim, President Joel Seligman, and Eastman School Dean Douglas Lowry. Close to 300 guests were then treated to a performance by the internationally acclaimed Ying Quartet.
The Grammy Award-winning Ying Quartet occupies a position of unique prominence in the classical music world and is the quartet-in-residence at the Eastman School of Music. Members are Professors David Ying, Janet Ying, Phillip Ying, and Timothy Ying.
Legal Scholar Arthur R. Miller Establishes Professorship
Arthur R. Miller ’56, ’08 (LLD), one of the nation’s most distinguished legal scholars, has made a generous $1.5 million gift commitment to establish a professorship in the University of Rochester’s School of Arts and Sciences. The Arthur R. Miller Professorship will be awarded to an outstanding scholar in the field of history who is engaged in both research and teaching undergraduate and graduate students.
Miller received his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Rochester. An expert in the areas of civil litigation, copyright and unfair competition, and privacy, Miller is the author of more than 40 books and numerous articles. He was the Bruce Bromley Professor of Law at Harvard University, where he earned his law degree and taught for 36 years. He is currently a University Professor at New York University School of Law and the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Miller was the first person to explain law on television through Good Morning America, PBS, and the original Court TV, a series for which he won an Emmy and numerous American Bar Association Awards.
A longtime supporter of the University of Rochester, Miller was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from his alma mater in 2008. He received the Charles Force Hutchison and Marjorie Smith Hutchison Medal, the University’s highest alumni award, in 1984 in recognition of his outstanding career achievements and his service to the University. His many invaluable contributions to academic life at Rochester include delivering the Steinberg Lecture on psychiatry and the law in the Medical Center and hosting the annual Miller’s Court symposium on compelling legal issues during Meliora Weekend.
Reunion Giving Records Led by Classes of ’58 and ’83
Final numbers are in, and Reunion Giving surged at the University of Rochester during fall semester 2008. Alumni in reunion years contributed more than $9 million in cash and pledges. Two notable highlights of this record-breaking season are:
- Members of the “better than good, better than great” Class of 1958, celebrating their 50th Reunion, broke all previous records for both giving and attendance. The class gave $3.3 million with a 55 percent participation rate. They were inspired by a gift challenge made by Board Chair Ed Hajim and his wife Barbara, who matched all gifts dollar-for-dollar and new George Eastman Circle commitments 2:1. Ed served as Honorary Reunion Co-chair.
- A record for 25th Reunion class giving was set in 2008. With the help of an anonymous Reunion Giving Challenge sponsor, the Class of 1983 raised more than $1.6 million and set a new participation rate of 32 percent. The Challenge sponsor’s leadership generated much enthusiasm throughout the class, with many classmates becoming charter members of the George Eastman Circle.
Denis O’Leary ’78 was the Reunion 2008 National Chair. More than 200 alumni volunteers supported this history-making effort.
Friedlander Challenge Supports Eastman Theatre Project
A dedicated and generous supporter of the University, Trustee Roger B. Friedlander ’56 has established a $200,000 challenge fund to encourage support for the Eastman Theatre Renovation and Expansion project. Through this challenge, which matches each dollar contributed one-for-one, Friedlander is inviting others in the community to join him and extend the impact of their gifts. The Eastman Theatre project includes a new building and world-class recital hall and enhancements inside the Theatre to enrich the concert experience for the audience and performers.
Friedlander is a prominent member of the Rochester business community. He received his undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Rochester and, in 1970, co-founded Spectrum Office Products, a company that became one of the largest office-supply businesses in the Northeast. He has been a trustee since 1997 and is past Chair of the Medical Center Board. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2003, he was recognized with the James S. Armstrong ’54 Alumni Service Award for his outstanding service to the University.
To make a gift or learn more, please contact: Andrea Weinstein at (585) 273-1341 or andrea.weinstein@rochester.edu.
Eastman Alumna Maria Schneider Delivers World-Class Jazz Concert
George Eastman Circle members were special guests on January 23 when jazz great Maria Schneider ’85E (MM) and her 18-piece jazz orchestra gave a spectacular performance at the Eastman Theatre. The concert was made possible through a partnership between the Eastman School’s Institute for Music Leadership and the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Ticket proceeds supported Eastman’s jazz scholarship programs.
Part of an ongoing series of regional events for George Eastman Circle members, the evening included a special reception with Maria Schneider after the performance.
A world-renowned composer and multiple Grammy Award winner, Schneider studied jazz and contemporary media at Eastman School of Music. After receiving her master’s degree, she moved to New York City where she studied composition and worked on various projects in the music industry. She formed the Maria Schneider Orchestra in 1993 and performs in prestigious venues around the globe.
Photo Gallery:
Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra Rehearsal
Upcoming Events
- February 19: New York City — Seminar and professional networking session: Stay or Change? Your Career in Turbulent Times. Featuring Patty Phillips, executive director of career management at the Simon School. 6:30 p.m., Millennium Broadway Hotel: Gotham Rooms, 145 W. 44th St. $15 per person, includes seminar, light refreshments, and a personal copy of The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search by Orville Pierson. Registration requested.
- February 20: Phoenix, Arizona — University of Rochester alumni, parents, and friends are invited to attend an event with President Joel Seligman. 6:00 p.m. reception; 7:00 p.m. President Seligman’s remarks. Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. For more information, please contact University Advancement at (800) 281-2055 or DonorRelations@rochester.edu
- February 24: Rochester — Installation of Toni M. Whited, Ph.D. as the Michael and Diane Jones Professor in the Simon School of Business. This endowed position is funded by Trustee Michael Jones ’76 and his wife Diane, who will be honored at the event. 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Schlegel 207, Eisenberg Rotunda, River Campus. Guests will receive an invitation.
- February 27: Houston, Texas — University of Rochester alumni, parents, and friends are invited to attend an event with President Joel Seligman. 6:00 p.m. reception; 7:00 p.m. welcome by University Senior Trustee Bruce Crockett ’66 and remarks by President Seligman. The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa, Jupiter Ballroom, 111 North Post Oak Lane. For more information, please contact University Advancement at (800) 281-2055 or DonorRelations@rochester.edu
- February 28: Dallas, Texas area — University of Rochester alumni, parents, and friends are invited to attend an event with President Joel Seligman. 7:00 p.m. reception; 8:00 p.m. welcome by Robert Potter ’60 (PhD) and remarks by President Seligman. Four Seasons Resort and Club, Cottonwood Ballroom, 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. For more information, please contact University Advancement at (800) 281-2055 or DonorRelations@rochester.edu
- March 1: Naples, Florida — Eastman School of Music student and faculty concert. Pianist and Naples native Alden Gatt will perform in a recital for hometown fans. He is a junior majoring in piano performance at the Eastman School and Chinese in the College. 4:00 p.m., Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd.
- March 5: Washington, D.C. — An evening with Mark Zupan, dean of the Simon School, and Felipe Ortiz de Zevallos ’71, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Peru to the United States of America. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Official Residence of the Ambassador, 3001 Garrison Street, N.W. Attendance is limited to Simon School alumni. To RSVP, please contact the Simon School Advancement Office at alumnirsvp@simon.rochester.edu.
- March 8: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — An afternoon with Joanna Olmsted, the University of Rochester’s dean of arts and sciences and professor of biology, with a performance by Vocal Point, a 12-member all female a cappella group. Noon. The Westin Philadelphia, 99 S. 17th St.
- March 9: Baltimore, Maryland area — An evening with Joanna Olmsted, the University of Rochester’s dean of arts and sciences and professor of biology, with a performance by Vocal Point, a 12-member all female a cappella group. 6:00 p.m. In the home of Jeff Briggs ’79 (E) and Deborah Plutzik Briggs ’80 (E). 25 Montview Court, Cockeysville, Maryland.
- March 9: San Diego, California — An evening with Rob Clark, dean of Rochester’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; remarks begin at 7:00 p.m. The Witherby, 526 Market St. Following Dean Clark’s remarks, enjoy a reception with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Admission is $20; advance registration required.
- March 10: Washington, D.C. — An evening with Joanna Olmsted, the University of Rochester’s dean of arts and sciences and professor of biology, with a performance by Vocal Point, a 12-member all female a cappella group. 6:00 p.m. Hosted by David Cole. Baker & McKenzie, 815 Connecticut Ave., NW #900, Washington.
- March 10: Los Angeles, California — An evening with Rob Clark, dean of Rochester’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; remarks begin at 7:00 p.m. The Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills, Playa-Marina Room, 1150 S. Beverly Drive. Following Dean Clark’s remarks, enjoy a reception with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Admission is $20; advance registration required.
- March 12: New York City — installation of Ronald M. Schmidt as the Janice M. and Joseph T. Willett Professor in the Simon Graduate School of Business. 6 p.m. Grand Hyatt Hotel, 109 East 42nd Street. Invitations will be mailing in February.
- March 22 to May 3: Rochester — Join University of Rochester Professor of English Thomas Hahn for a series of five literary discussions on ancient and modern views of tragedy. Sunday afternoons, March 22 and 29; April 19 and 26; May 3. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fairbank Alumni Lounge, Alumni and Advancement Center, University of Rochester. The registration fee is $50 per person.
- March 22: Naples, Florida — Eastman School of Music student and faculty concert series event featuring Hans Davidsson, professor of organ and director of the Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative, and his wife, Urika, assistant professor of organ and historical keyboards. The program will include works by Buxtehude, de Frumerie, Bach, Grieg, Franck, and Dupre. 4:00 p.m., Bower Chapel, 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples. Request your complimentary tickets by calling Bower Chapel at (239) 643-9123.
- March 23: Boston, Massachusetts area — An evening with Rob Clark, dean of Rochester’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; remarks begin at 7:00 p.m. The Marriott Hotel, Burlington New England Suites, One Burlington Mall Rd., Burlington, Mass. Following Dean Clark’s remarks, enjoy a reception with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Admission is $20; advance registration required.
- March 26: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida area — University of Rochester alumni, parents, and friends are invited to attend an event with President Joel Seligman. 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. welcome by University Trustee Barry Florescue ’66 and remarks by President Seligman. For more information, please contact University Advancement at (800) 281-2055 or DonorRelations@rochester.edu
- March 28: Rochester — Save the date now for the Third Annual Highland Hospital Gala to be held at the Locust Hill Country Club. Tickets are $200 per person for this important philanthropic event. Contact Irene Doktor at (585) 275-9837 for reservations and updates.
- April 1: New York City — Save the date for the 2009 George Eastman Circle Dinner to be held at Gotham Hall. The featured speaker will be noted historian and bestselling author David McCullough. A formal invitation will be mailed to members in February. For more information, contact Becky Wehle, senior director of Donor Relations, at (585) 273-5892 or e-mail wehle@alumni.rochester.edu.
- April 18: Rochester — Don’t miss the 2009 Discovery Ball that will take place at the Rochester Convention Center. Tickets ($250 per person) and sponsorships are available. Act now and make reservations because this premier event sells out quickly. For reservations and updates, call Karen Humbert at (585) 276-4715.
Event Registration: To register for events by phone, call (877) 635-4672 (unless otherwise indicated). To register for events online, check for updates, view attendee lists, and explore alumni programs, click here.
Alumni Travel and Learn Program: Alumni Association tours, open to all members of the University community, offer many opportunities to visit exciting locations while learning from noted staff and faculty experts. For more information, click here.
Fast Forward Archive
December 22, 2008
December 4, 2008
October 21, 2008
October 1, 2008
July 28, 2008
June 20, 2008