The University of Rochester has received a $50 million gift from entrepreneur B. Thomas Golisano, the college announced Thursday.
The donation—the largest single gift in the university’s history—will fund the establishment of the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute, a transdisciplinary center designed to address the health and quality-of-life issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Between his personal giving and bequests from his foundation, Golisano’s total philanthropy to the University of Rochester Medical Center now nears $100 million.
“Creating a better world for people with IDD has been a passion of mine for over 40 years,” Golisano said. “URMC’s vision for the new Golisano IDD Institute takes that dedication to a new and unprecedented level, putting patients at the center of every focus and providing one-stop integrated care and coordinated customized services.”
University president Sarah C. Mangelsdorf and the board of trustees have named John Foxe, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, to direct the new institute and believe that championing IDD individuals aligns well with the institution’s mission.
“Through his actions, Tom has become the embodiment of President Mangelsdorf’s vision of boundless possibility, as outlined in the University’s strategic plan,” said trustee Richard B. Handler, CEO of Jefferies Financial Group. “This gift will change the University of Rochester, our Medical Center, and our community forever and it will inspire others to follow in Tom’s large footsteps.”
