In Review

The University is celebrating a milestone achievement this fall鈥攖he success of The Meliora Challenge, a $1.2 billion fundraising initiative.
The largest fundraising initiative in the University鈥檚 history, the effort serves as a platform for the University to achieve future goals, said Joel Seligman, president, CEO, and the G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor.
鈥淭hese accomplishments will help us ascend to the Next Level as one of the nation鈥檚 top research universities,鈥 Seligman said. 鈥淲e look forward to strengthening our national leadership in data science, neuromedicine, and clinical and translational research, and continuing to achieve excellence across the University鈥攊n undergraduate education, professional training, our health system, and the creative arts.鈥
As the Campaign came to a formal close on June 30, Advancement leaders announced a preliminary total of more than $1.37 billion, exceeding the goal set when the Campaign was publicly launched in 2011.
During this fall鈥檚 Meliora Weekend, October 6鈥9, the success of the Campaign, and what the effort means for the University community and Rochester鈥檚 future, will be highlighted. Additional celebratory events will occur throughout the coming year in select cities across the country.

Cochaired by University Trustees Cathy Minehan 鈥68 and Rich Handler 鈥83, the Campaign encompassed all aspects of the University, its schools, and programs. More than 200,000 alumni, friends, faculty, staff, parents, and students around the world made gifts to the University during the Campaign. Nearly every goal established for the Campaign was achieved. That includes support for student scholarships and faculty; facilities and infrastructure; and new academic initiatives.
As a major component of the Campaign, the Medical Center raised nearly $700 million for medical, nursing, and dental education, research, and patient care鈥攁lmost $50 million more than its original goal.
Danny Wegman, chair of the University鈥檚 Board of Trustees, said the Campaign鈥檚 success has galvanized the 人妻少妇专区 family. 鈥淭ogether, we are transforming lives in Rochester and throughout the world.鈥
Larry Bloch 鈥75, a trustee who chairs the Advancement Committee, praised the combined efforts of donors and contributors as well as faculty and administrative leaders. 鈥淥ur success is emblematic of a large and dedicated community of leaders and volunteers,鈥 he said. 鈥淭heir passion and enthusiasm for the 人妻少妇专区 is without bounds.鈥

Thomas Farrell 鈥88, 鈥90W (MS), senior vice president for Advancement, said the success of the Campaign is a milestone for Rochester. He thanked cochairs Minehan and Handler, as well as 鈥渢he generosity of all our trustees, volunteers, and University leaders whose efforts inspired and engaged so many others.鈥

鈥淭his moment marks the start of a new phase in the 人妻少妇专区鈥檚 evolution, one that will be driven by the remarkable philanthropy and ongoing engagement, advocacy, and giving that has become an integral part of the culture of this institution,鈥 he said.
For Seligman the Campaign鈥檚 success represents a new era for Rochester: 鈥淭his is a historic moment for everyone who cares so deeply about this University and our future.鈥