December 2021
Meliora! Remarks from our Annual Giving Chair
As 2022 approaches, the world remains in a state of flux as the pandemic continues to affect all of our lives on a daily basis. The one constant that always ensures a brighter future, however, is your support.
I am thankful for, and proud of, all that the University and the Medical Center have continued to accomplish in 2021, thanks to your remarkable support and your determination to make lives ‘ever better’.
We are deeply grateful that you continue to choose to invest in the University every year, and that our George Eastman Circle members remain devoted to making a difference in so many lives. The calendar year is quickly coming to a close. If you have not yet made your George Eastman Circle pledge payment, or renewed your membership, please do by December 31. Visit here to give securely online.
Here’s to a peaceful and promising new year. Thank you for all you are doing to make that possible.
Meliora,
Gwen M. Greene ’65
Member, Board of Trustees
Chair, Annual Giving Programs
George Eastman Circle Volunteer Spotlight: Bill Robinson
University of Rochester alumnus and George Eastman Circle member and volunteer, Bill Robinson, finds immense happiness in volunteering regularly for meaningful Rochester events and activities. Both his daughter and son-in-law attended the University, and of his family’s deep connection with “Meliora,” Robinson says, “Our striving for continuing growth is based on a happy confidence we gained from Rochester.” Read the full volunteer spotlight here.
Your Philanthropic Impact: Wilmot Cancer Institute
Over the past year, George Eastman Circle members have invested more than $400,000 into the Wilmot Cancer Institute and have made a significant difference for countless people. Your impact includes:
- The expansion of the clinical trials program and enrolled more than 551 patients in over 150 clinical trials.
- Much-needed financial assistance for patients and families who otherwise might not have been able to afford critical procedures or treatments.
A Wilmot Cancer Institute-led study found that doctors can safely lower the dose of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy without impacting survival for adults older than 70 who are at high risk for toxic side effects. “Giving oncologists an evidence-based tool that allows them to make adjustments based on a patient’s fitness is very powerful and an excellent step forward in cancer care delivery,” said George Eastman Circle member and Wilmot research program leader, Supriya Mohile, M.D., M.S., the Philip and Marilyn Wehrheim professor of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology and Surgery at URMC. She is the corresponding and first author of The Lancet article, and has been an award-winning national leader in geriatric oncology, helping to establish new guidelines for the use of geriatric assessments put forth by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
NEW: George Eastman Circle Facebook Group
We encourage you to visit this new group regularly to stay up to date on George Eastman Circle office announcements, University news, and upcoming exclusive member events. To find other new social media accounts to follow–that may be of interest to alumni, parents, or friends of the University–visit this page.
Endowing Our Greatest Talent: Our Students
As the Eastman School of Music celebrates its Centennial, the school remains dedicated to attracting and enrolling the most outstanding students. Scholarship support enables these talented musicians to launch their musical careers at Eastman and to become leaders in music and the performing arts. The Wegman family has established a $2 million scholarship challenge to encourage others to support future generations of artistic leaders. The challenge for Eastman’s Centennial Campaign will create 40 to 50 new endowed scholarships in addition to new George Eastman Circle Scholarships. As part of its Centennial, the Eastman School of Music has created a celebration YouTube playlist, which can be found on the Eastman School’s YouTube page.
Conversation with President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf
In November, George Eastman Circle members came together in-person and online for an exclusive conversation with President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf. During this first ever George Eastman Circle hybrid event, President Mangelsdorf provided a university update and also sat down for an interview with questions submitted by attendees. See photos from the event or catch the excitement in the event recording.
Women’s Network Challenge
The Women’s Network supports the University’s mission to foster equitable and inclusive communities on campus, and to help create future women leaders of tomorrow. Gail Lione ’71 and Gwen Greene ’65, with support from their fellow women trustees, participated in an exciting gift challenge this year. The Women’s Network Challenge will close on December 31 and they are only $20,000 away from meeting their goal. Check out all the ways in which you can make an impact.
Upcoming Virtual Events
Unable to make it to a George Eastman Circle exclusive virtual event? You can now explore our past virtual events on our newly created video gallery. We will continuously update this gallery as virtual events take place.
As a valued member, we encourage you to visit our George Eastman Circle events page regularly for upcoming exclusive event opportunities. Here are just a few of the many exciting events coming up:
December 16: REAL Conversations | Performative V. Normative EDI: Moving Away from Deficit Thinking
December 17: Women’s Network | Meet and Eat with the Women’s Network in Rochester
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