September 2021
Meliora! A Message from our Chair
School is in session, and the adventure has just begun for the largest first-year class in the College’s history. More than 1,500 moved into their new “home away from home” in August. Now that students, faculty, and staff are back on our campuses, the University of Rochester has an energetic, renewed sense of community.
With the current state of the world, it is impossible to start a new academic year off entirely in the ways that we remember as “traditional.” The University is doing an outstanding job integrating revised traditions and is committed to everyone’s health and safety.
I would like to thank you for making this possible. Since its inception, George Eastman Circle members have played a critical role through our collective support at the University and Medical Center. Over the past year and a half, you’ve made an extraordinary difference more than ever and in so many ways.
It’s our collective experience that has inspired us to pay it forward. When the going got tough, you didn’t back down. Your philanthropy rose to the challenge. Together, we are setting the best example possible for the Class of 2025, for all current students and generations of future leaders, for patients and families, faculty and staff, and so many others in the Rochester network.
Thank you for all you do.
Evans Lam ’83, ’84S (MBA)
Member, Board of Trustees
National Chair, George Eastman Circle
Welcome, class of 2025
The class of 2025 is the largest first-year class in the College’s history, with more than 1,500 new undergraduates. After moving in, they attended convocation on the River Campus and participated in Wilson Day, an annual day of service for first-year students.
Meliora 2021
As the University continues to ease back into some traditional activities, Meliora 2021 will be hosted October 1-2. Meliora 2021 will offer in person events only for the Class of 2020 and their families, current students and families, and the Class of 2021. A special commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 will be held on October 2. All other activities will be hosted virtually and several signature events will be made available via livestream. You can learn more and register for virtual events here.
Member Spotlight: Michael Blank and Marlene Eisenberg
George Eastman Circle members and volunteers, Michael Blank and Marlene Eisenberg, celebrated the recent graduation of their daughter, Lilo, from the University of Rochester. They are grateful for their many ties to the University and reflect here on their close connections and rewarding moments they have experienced.
Report details economic reach of the University of Rochester
A new report by the Center for Governmental Research reveals that the University has more than doubled its impact on the Finger Lake region’s economy in the last 14 years. The analysis, based on 2019 information, also shows that the University is the largest private employer based in upstate New York and the seventh-largest private employer in the state.
Global emergency response fund challenge
In response to the current turmoil in Afghanistan and the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Jefferies Financial Group and its CEO, University of Rochester Board of Trustees Chair Rich Handler ’83, stepped up with an inspiring challenge gift for our new Global Emergency Response Fund. All donations made to this fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $150,000. Read more or make a gift and you’ll make twice the difference today.
Your Philanthropic Impact
George Eastman Circle members make an enormous impact each day. To learn more about the difference you make view our new 2020-21 Philanthropic Impact report and volunteer honor roll.
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:
September 1-30: Global Days of Service
September 15: REAL Conversations
October 1-2: Meliora 2021