March 2021
Meliora! A Message from our Chair
Dear fellow members,
The last year has highlighted the strength and dedication our University community has to making life ever better. Our health care workers, researchers, staff and faculty are working day in and day out, dedicated to our mission to learn, discover, heal and create.
Included in this group of heroes are the George Eastman Circle members who continually make incredible things happen. I am proud to say that the George Eastman Circle contributed more to the University this past fall season than in any of the previous two years. This is an inspiring achievement, and our work is not yet done. Just last year, there were more than 730 requests for student emergency funding University-wide and over 1,200 food pantry visits. We must continue to support our students and provide them with what they need in order to succeed.
On Wednesday, May 5th, the University and Medical Center will be celebrating their annual Day of Giving. The University of Rochester is a proud, inspired community of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. As a George Eastman Circle member, I encourage you to consider an additional gift on this important day and consider a challenge gift to encourage others to join us in our efforts.
My heartfelt thanks for your leadership and commitment to philanthropy. We are looking forward to a brighter year ahead.
Meliora,
Evans Lam ’83, ’84S (MBA)
Member, Board of Trustees
National Chair, George Eastman Circle
Save the Date: May 5
With unprecedented discovery, lifesaving health care, inspired creativity, and rigorous academics, the University of Rochester is truly one of a kind. Thanks to your George Eastman Circle membership, we make a difference for thousands of people each day. We invite you to join the entire University community on May 5 for our annual Day of Giving by making an additional gift, paying a pledge, or renewing your membership and inviting a friend to join. Your gift will also count toward the Together for Rochester campaign. With your support, we have the power to change lives.
Creating a Scholarship for the Next Generation of Nurses
Each year, the George Eastman Circle Scholarship offers a student the chance to study and complete their nursing degree at the University of Rochester’s School of Nursing. Without this funding, many students would not have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming a nurse. Here, George Eastman Circle member Linda Taylor ’67N reflects on the impact of her donation and the rewarding aspects of the scholarship program.
Q: Why did you decide to join the George Eastman Circle?
A: I have been a supporter of the University of Rochester for many years and credit the University for preparing me to launch and be successful in my 40 year career in nursing. I could not have afforded to study at Rochester without the financial support of a work scholarship. I am hopeful my contributions now afford future students access to the same opportunity from which I benefited.
Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about your George Eastman Circle membership?
A: My reward in being a member of the George Eastman Circle is simply knowing I am supporting quality education for future nurses. With my contribution, I am supporting a profession in which there continue to be shortages that impact quality of health and quality of life in our communities.
Q: Why did you choose to support the University through the George Eastman Circle Scholarship in particular?
A: There are many ways to support the University financially, but the George Eastman Circle Scholarship in particular offered the opportunity for a longer term commitment that could provide for continuity, security, and incentive to a student not only start, but complete their education in the School of Nursing.
Q: Can you tell us about your company?
A: I have worked at Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk in Northport, NY for 40 years. As CEO I have been gratified to see it grow from a small community based not-for-profit organization to now include a certified hospice with an inpatient facility, having first added a certified home care hospice to our initial certified home health agency.
Q: What did you take with you from your time at the School of Nursing that you use in your professional career?
A: Everything! Beyond core nursing, which was so integral to my education, my entire experience gave me perspective and developed critical thinking that I apply daily in my career.
Rochester Responds
Over the past year, University faculty, students, staff, alumni, researchers, and health care workers have stepped up in the face of daunting challenges. George Eastman Circle members Dr. Mike Apostolakos and Dr. Kathy Parrinello established a command center to direct UR Medicine’s regional response to the pandemic. Their story is just one of the many inspiring ways our Rochester community has gone above and beyond this year.
Together for Rochester
Our one-year campaign, Together for Rochester, is successfully helping to fund scholarships, research, faculty projects, and other critical initiatives. We are promoting equity and access and helping our students and graduates find internships and jobs. With your help, we continue to support many essential funds that help prepare our students and graduates for a life ever better.
Upcoming Virtual Events
April 7
Understanding Our Impact: Shaping Careers in a Changing World
April 14
Experience Rochester | 3D Models as the Future of Surgery
April 15
Understanding Our Impact: The Power of Scholarships
April 21
George Eastman Circle Celebration of Support
April 27
East Coast Day of Giving Volunteer Training
West Coast Day of Giving Volunteer Training
May 5
Day of Giving
June 2
LinkedIn For Personal Branding
As a valued member, we encourage you to visit the George Eastman Circle upcoming events page regularly for exclusive event opportunities.