Statement from Rob Clark, Sr. VP for Research, on the value of scientific peer review
“The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is currently conducting a review on grants issued by the agency for some 60 merit-reviewed projects, including one from the University of Rochester. Scientific research awarded through peer-review process should not be subject to political or ideological interference.”

University offices prepare to move into College Town
Seven University departments and offices — including some offices within Human Resources and University IT — will transition from their current spaces into the new second and third-story office space in Building 3 of College Town, located on Celebration Drive, beginning in November.

University appoints Public Safety Deputy Director
Since 2001, Gerald L. Pickering has served as Webster police chief, overseeing a force of 32 sworn officers and 10 civilian professionals. Pickering will start in the new position at the University on Jan. 5.
Mellon Foundation grant to support Humanities Corridor endowment
Founded in 2006, the Central New York Humanities Corridor is an interdisciplinary collaboration among research institutions and liberal arts colleges focused on enhancing scholarship in the humanities. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has committed a matching grant of $500,000 to the University of Rochester, which will establish an endowment for the University’s continued partnership.

Intercultural Center named to honor Paul Burgett
The Intercultural Center has been named to honor alumnus, dean, and University leader Paul J. Burgett. Earlier this month, the Board of Trustees paid tribute to Burgett ’68E, ’72E (MA), ’76E (PhD), by naming the center on the occasion of his 50th year at the University.

UR announces PharmAdva will join START-UP NY
PharmAdva is commercializing a technology developed at the University of Rochester Medical Center by Michel Berg, M.D. The company will be making automated home pill dispensers that prompt patients to take their medications on time and in the proper doses.

PHOTO GALLERY: Meliora and Eastman Weekends 2014
Alumni, parents, friends, students, and community members gathered on campus for Meliora and Eastman Weekends 2014, October 16–19. This year’s program featured dozens of events, including guest speakers, performances, lectures, athletics, receptions, and much more. Enjoy these highlights and snapshots from this weekend’s festivities.

College Town is dedicated
On Friday, Oct. 17, University officials celebrated with Mt. Hope community members; city, county, state, and federal government leaders; and project partners the dedication of College Town, the $100 million shopping, dining, business and residential district in the city of Rochester near River Campus and the Medical Center.
University to provide transition-related health care benefits
The Health Plan Committee, which evaluates new proposals for inclusion in the University’s health program offerings, recently approved this expansion of benefits to enrolled employees and their covered family members. The benefit will cover medically necessary transition-related coverage, including hormone therapy, medical and psychological counseling, and gender affirmation surgery.

UR Medicine a leader in LGBT health care
Strong Memorial and F.F. Thompson Hospitals are the only Western New York hospitals to earn this distinction from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF), , which is the nation’s largest organization devoted to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights issues.