September 2018

The Gelb triplets are among the newest Rochester Yellowjackets, joining the Class of 2022 directly across the street from Strong Memorial Hospital, where they spent the first three months of their lives.

September 2018

Meliora! A Message from our Chair

The adventure has just begun for the more than 1,300 students in the Class of 2022. Watching videos from this year’s move-in day, I couldn’t help but reminisce about when I arrived at the University of Rochester. It’s an exciting time for these first-year students, who represent 96 countries and 47 states. They are a class to be proud of:

    • Their average high school GPA was 3.8
    • Their average SAT/ACT two-score equivalent surpassed 1400
    • More than 18% are from underrepresented minority groups
    • One in five are the first in their families to attend college

And, students from the Los Angeles area—where I call home—grew tenfold this year. It’s a data point that warms my heart.

Whether you attended the University, have children who are students, whether you are a friend of or a patient at the Medical Center, each of us has a special relationship and connection with Rochester that is meaningful and personal.

It’s our collective experience that has inspired us to pay it forward and be a part of the George Eastman Circle. Together, we are setting the best example possible for the Class of 2022, and for all current students and generations to come.

On behalf of the University, thank you for all you do.

Meliora,

Evans Y. Lam ’83, ’84S (MBA)
Member, Board of Trustees
National Chair, George Eastman Circle

Triplets Bring Their Rochester Story Full Circle

Robert ’22, Nicole ’22 and Matthew Gelb ’22 hold a photo of themselves as kindergartners dressed as yellowjackets. Now the triplets are among the newest Rochester Yellowjackets, joining the Class of 2022 directly across the street from Strong Memorial Hospital, where they spent the first three months of their lives. Their parents, Jay and Sandra Wolk Gelb ’89, are George Eastman Circle members.

Meliora Weekend Benefits for George Eastman Circle Members

Soledad O’Brien, award-winning journalist, speaker, and author, will be the keynote speaker for the University of Rochester’s 18th Meliora Weekend, October 4-7. She will headline a weekend that includes Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow; political commentator and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele; innovative multi-genre musical group Pink Martini; comedian Nasim Pedrad; and a variety of activities for the entire Rochester community.

As a member of the George Eastman Circle, you have access to special events hosted exclusively for members:

A George Eastman Circle dinner reception will be held on Friday, October 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Art Gallery. This members-only experience will showcase a special preview of Monet’s Waterloo Bridge: Vision and Process and lead up to the Pink Martini concert at Kodak Hall. The reception is $25 per person to attend. Tickets for the concert may be purchased at www.EastmanTheatre.org. For your convenience, transportation will be provided between the Memorial Art Gallery and Kodak Hall.

A special Meliora Weekend George Eastman Circle lunch will be held on Saturday, October 6 from noon – 1:30 pm in the Feldman Ballroom. This free event is open to all members and their families.

All members and their guests have access to the Circle’s Hospitality Suite on Saturday. The suite, located in Rush Rhees, will offer breakfast, light fare, and additional refreshments from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and it will feature entertainment and student performances. Family and friends are welcome to join you.

For more information, or to register today, visit www.rochester.edu/melioraweekend.

Volunteer Spotlight

Dr. Caesar Luo ’01, ’06M (MD) co-chairs the San Francisco George Eastman Leadership Council, and truly brings an East Coast-West Coast experience to his volunteer role. His family moved to the Bay Area last year from Philadelphia, where he also served on the Eastman Circle Leadership Council. Dr. Luo spent nine years at Rochester, graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences in 2001. He followed up with a Take Five year at the Eastman School of Music, and then received his MD from the School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2006.

“As a young alumnus with a family and starting a career, finding an effective, meaningful method to give back to the University was challenging. Time and financial resources were limited, so there was an impetus to disengage from the community. Then I learned of the associate membership of the George Eastman Circle, and it fit my life station perfectly. The graduated program coincided with my eventual financial security, plus I felt more control over where the funds were designated. As my life settled down I began to find meaningful camaraderie and joy in the George Eastman Circle Councils, and I enjoy helping to increase the visibility of UR to both prospective students and longstanding alumni.”

Dr. Luo lives in Oakland, California with his wife, Dr. Melissa Neuwelt, and their two children Avery and Asa. He is an ophthalmologist at Bay Area Retina Associates.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering for the George Eastman Circle, please contact us at georgeeastmancircle@rochester.edu.

The Eastman Circle Honor Roll

As the George Eastman Circle commemorates the philanthropic leadership of its members, our Honor Roll is available online for you to read through. This special listing of members offers a way for the University to recognize your commitment to making the world a better place.

Annual giving is powerful and vital to our University. Thank you for continually providing the leadership that allows us to challenge the limits of education, research, health care, and creativity.

To access the “Giving By Level” portion of the Honor Roll, please enter password M3mber.

Upcoming Events

One of the ways we’re able to thank you for your commitment to philanthropy at the University is to extend invitations to various regional gatherings, dinners, and University programs. Here are just a few of the upcoming events that George Eastman Circle members are invited to join. To learn more, please visit the George Eastman Circle website.

Meliora Weekend
October 4-7
Rochester, NY

George Eastman Circle Reception: New York City
October 25
New York City, NY

George Eastman Circle Appreciation Reception: Rochester
November 14
Rochester, NY

George Eastman Circle Dinner: Summit
November 15
Summit, NJ

George Eastman Circle Appreciation Reception: Washington
November 15
Washington, DC

George Eastman Circle Appreciation Reception: Chicago
December 13
Chicago, IL