Dear colleagues,
I hope you’ll join me in celebrating what has been a remarkable year for the School of Medicine on the philanthropic front. You may have seen the university’s announcement of what is described as a “record-shattering” fundraising year, with $239.3 million raised.
I’m grateful to know that donors were inspired to support biomedical research, patient care and educational opportunities for M.D. and graduate students at unprecedented levels as well. Gifts totaling $159.3 million were made to benefit funds in our medical school, VCU Health and the Massey Cancer Center.
Some highlights from this past year include:
- A record $132.2 million raised for the School of Medicine, including the largest single gift in VCU history: $104 million given in support of the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health.
- $6 million from the Endeavour Legacy Foundation to support projects in the Division of Urology and the Pauley Heart Center.
- A $1.5 million gift from Peter and Karen Shudtz, which was matched through the VCU Glasgow Endowment, to create the Geoffrey R. Shudtz Chair in Pancreatic Cancer Research.
- A $1 million gift to build the existing Joseph R. Gazala, M.D., Scholarship fund and increase its impact for students who show academic merit and financial need.
- Successful strategic planning and execution of the university’s first Giving Day, which raised $267,575 through 1,847 gifts in support of medical philanthropy priorities.
FY22’s record-breaking totals have established a strong philanthropic foundation that our medical philanthropy team will build on in FY23 and future campaigns.
This work is not possible without your partnership, and I thank you for all that you currently and will do to create relationships with alumni, grateful patients and friends in the community. It’s these relationships that spark interest and engagement, ultimately leading to generous gifts that support our mission to advance education, biomedical discoveries and clinical care.
With gratitude,
