![\"Nathan](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/MoserHeadShot.jpg\")
Nathan Moser \u201975, National Chair,
George Eastman Circle<\/p><\/div>\n
Dear Friends,<\/p>\n
In Rochester Review<\/em>\u2019s May-June issue, President Joel Seligman presented The Next Level<\/a><\/em>, a white paper outlining four initiatives that will guide the University\u2019s growth through the remainder of the decade. Those initiatives are Data Science; Neuroscience and Neuromedicine; Humanities and the Performing Arts; and the Revitalization of the Rochester Community. Your annual support will be critical to the University\u2019s success in these areas.<\/p>\n Take, for example, the Revitalization of the Rochester Community, for which one of the core areas of focus is K\u201312 education. Including the Warner School of Education in your annual pledge helps support projects such as the East High School Partnership<\/a>. In September, the Warner School\u2019s new leadership role at East High helped launch a new era for students and their families. If you want to see the true impact of the work being done by the Warner School, look at the smiles in this video: The First Day at the New East<\/a>. As George Eastman Circle members, not only are your gifts\u2014to schools and units across the University and its Medical Center\u2014helping to create smiles, they are also helping to create stronger programs and facilities that equip Rochester to better serve the community and the world.<\/p>\n Thank you for your leadership and generosity. On behalf of the URochester, I would like to wish you a wonderful holiday season. With more than 3,200 members worldwide, I would say we are ready to take the George Eastman Circle to \u201cThe Next Level.\u201d<\/p>\n Here\u2019s to an ever better 2016!<\/p>\n Meliora,<\/p>\n Nathan Moser \u201975 [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’normal’ position=’center’ color=’#065143′ thickness=” up=’20’ down=’20’]<\/p>\n [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Arunas Chesonis ’91S (MBA), ’04 (HNR)<\/p><\/div>\n For many years, Arunas Chesonis \u201991S (MBA), \u201904 (HNR)<\/strong>has supported the University\u2019s budding entrepreneurs, and his creative mentorship has paid off for students, companies, and the wider community.<\/p>\n Chesonis\u2019 30-plus years of experience in the technology realm include leadership in companies that range from telecommunications to energy to biotechnology, and in 2008, he was inducted into the Rochester Business Hall of Fame. Currently, Chesonis is CEO and chairman of the alternative energy company Sweetwater Energy and founding partner of the venture capital firm Cranberry Capital.<\/p>\n \u201cThe University lends itself to a more entrepreneurial environment,\u201d says Chesonis, a Charter Member of the George Eastman Circle and, since 2007, a member of the Board of Trustees. \u201cIt\u2019s large enough to offer significant support, but small enough where you get more personal connections with the faculty and people in the community.\u201d<\/p>\n He promotes entrepreneurship at the University in a variety of ways. In 2006, Chesonis and his wife, Pamela, established a scholarship fund for Simon full-time MBA students interested in entrepreneurship; he currently sits on the board of the student-run Simon School Venture Capital Fund<\/a><\/strong>; and he is a strong supporter of the University\u2019s tech transfer entity,URVentures<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Chesonis is particularly excited about URVentures, which not only finances University-based startups, it connects young entrepreneurs with prospective mentors\u2014who in many cases turn out to be significant supporters.<\/p>\n In June, URVentures held its inaugural JazzTech Conference (so named since it coincided with the Greater Rochester International Jazz Festival). JazzTech featured six early-stage companies, offering them a venue to pitch their stories, plans and future prospects to potential investors. The event was such a success, Chesonis says, that he hopes to double its size in 2016.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough the George Eastman Circle, members can designate a gift to the Technology Development Fund to help these entrepreneurs get started, then alumni and other supporters get involved,\u201d he says. \u201cIf entrepreneurs can raise the money for their businesses here in Rochester, then Rochester is where they will locate their companies and create jobs. We want them to stay forever.\u201d<\/p>\n Chesonis channels further support to local entrepreneurs through High Tech Rochester<\/a><\/strong>, a University affiliate that serves as the umbrella organization for the Rochester Angel Network (RAN)<\/a><\/strong>. RAN, which was founded in 2005 and now includes around 80 members, is offering free trial memberships to George Eastman Circle members. Through membership in the RAN, investors can directly support local companies, many of them spun out of the URochester.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” position=”center” up=”2″ down=”0″][blockquote text=”If you help alumni succeed, then they will give back, which helps even more people. It\u2019s a continuous cycle.” show_quote_icon=”yes”][vc_separator type=”transparent” position=”center” up=”3″ down=”0″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n \u201cUltimately, successful entrepreneurs who have been supported by the University tend to give back to it,\u201d he says. \u201cThey realize how much the University helped them. If you help alumni succeed, then they will give back, which helps even more people. It\u2019s a continuous cycle.\u201d<\/p>\n To learn about the impact RAN makes, visit their website<\/a>. Please connect with James Senall at james.senall@htr.org<\/a> to receive materials about the trial membership for George Eastman Circle members.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’normal’ position=’center’ color=’#065143′ thickness=” up=’20’ down=’20’]<\/p>\n [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n George Eastman Circle members have pledged more than $70 million in annual funds since the program\u2019s inception in 2007. Students, faculty and staff, and patients feel the impact of these gifts every day. Below are some of the areas where your support has helped enable significant advancements and achievements. Learn more about your philanthropy \u201cat work\u201d by following the links below.<\/p>\n Did you know that Highland was listed by U.S. News & World Report<\/em> as one of the best hospitals in western New York for 2013\u20132014? Your support helps Highland fulfill its promise<\/a> of excellence, which has been recognized regionally in six specialty areas: Ear, Nose, and Throat; Gastroenterology and GI Surgery; Geriatrics; Gynecology; Orthopaedics; and Pulmonology.<\/p>\n The School welcomed a record enrollment of more than 1,450 undergraduates. You helped with that. Your pledges provided additional financial aid<\/a> that enabled more of the brightest engineering students to attend and continue to attend Hajim.<\/p>\n Horizons at Warner is a six-week summer enrichment program for K\u20138 Rochester City School District students, and this past summer it was at full capacity: 135 students. That\u2019s 135 children who have access to a blend of activities and field trips that build self-esteem, resourcefulness, and higher educational expectations and aspirations. You helped make it possible<\/a> by designating some, or all, of your annual gift to the Warner School.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’normal’ position=’center’ color=’#065143′ thickness=” up=’20’ down=’20’]<\/p>\n [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Are you part of our social circle?<\/p>\n The George Eastman Circle LinkedIn group provides an opportunity to network with members from around the world. You can stay up to date on the achievements of current members, and it is an excellent place for you to gain insight on interesting business topics and exchange ideas.<\/p>\n To join this exclusive, members-only group, you need to have a LinkedIn account. Once you have created an account, or if you already have one, visit the George Eastman Circle LinkedIn page<\/a>, and click \u201cJoin\u201d in the upper right hand corner of the screen.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’normal’ position=’center’ color=’#065143′ thickness=” up=’20’ down=’20’]<\/p>\n [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n George Eastman Circle members provide critical funds that enable world-class research and health care, create countless academic opportunities, and cultivate the imagination.<\/p>\n The Charter Members featured below have made significant Campaign gifts in addition to their membership commitments or have exemplified Meliora in the areas of academia, health care, arts and culture, and\/or research.<\/p>\n Entrepreneurship<\/strong>. Students and faculty members who seek to have their ideas turned into enterprises that create value have steadfast supporters in Mark Ain \u201967S (MBA)<\/strong> and his wife, Carolyn<\/strong>. The Ains most recent commitment gives multimillion dollar-support to entrepreneurship education at the University, bringing their collective philanthropy toward the University to $5 million. To honor their longtime leadership and generosity, they were made the namesakes of the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n You can read more about the Ains\u2019 latest commitment in the University news release<\/a>.<\/p>\n Idea Exploration<\/strong>. Deciding to help create a River Campus Libraries space where students can explore and develop ideas that could potentially change the world was easy for Barbara Burger \u201983<\/strong>. Burger committed $1 million to the development of the iZone, a technology-filled space for students to collaborate with like-minded peers, present work, and meet with advisors (faculty members, librarians, local leaders, etc.). When construction is complete, it will be dedicated as the Barbara J. Burger iZone at the River Campus Libraries.<\/p>\n You can read more about Burger\u2019s gift and the iZone in the University news release<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pediatric Allergy<\/strong>. A pediatric allergist at the Medical Center for more than 50 years, Eric M. Dreyfuss, M.D.<\/strong>, established a new University professorship that honors the founders of his subspecialty in Rochester. Through the the Founders\u2019 Distinguished Professorship of Pediatric Allergy, Dreyfuss has helped ensure the region\u2019s children coping with food and environmental allergies, asthma, and other allergic conditions receive the best possible care. On September 30, he and his professorship\u2019s inaugural holder, Kirsi M. J\u00e4rvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.<\/strong>, were recognized by the University community at a formal installation ceremony.<\/p>\n You can read more about this professorship and J\u00e4rvinen-Seppo in the November issue of Fast Forward<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’normal’ position=’center’ color=’#065143′ thickness=” up=’20’ down=’20’]<\/p>\n [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The Eastman School of Music’s Carillon Tuba Quartet will perform at the New York City Holiday Party<\/p><\/div>\n Through a dedication to philanthropy, the George Eastman Circle helps to shape the future of the University and touches lives around the world. Your five-year commitments provide critical budget-relieving annual funds to specific schools and units of the University and its Medical Center and, ultimately, strengthen the University\u2019s ability to make a profound impact on society.<\/p>\n One of the ways we\u2019re able to thank you is to extend invitations to various regional gatherings, dinners, and University programs. For more information or to register for any of the following events, visit the\u00a0Alumni Events page<\/a>\u00a0or contact the Office of Donor Relations at 800-281-2055.<\/p>\n December 8, 2015 President and CEO Joel Seligman will provide remarks and there will be an Eastman School of Music student performance.Register today<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"moser_sig\"](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/moser_sig-1.gif\")
<\/p>\n
\nLife Trustee
\nNational Chair, George Eastman Circle<\/p>\nEverything Ventured, Everything Gained<\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/7021270099_d8a1f5b16e_o-1-300x253.jpg\")
Your Philanthropy at Work<\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/IMG_5883resize-1-289x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHighland Hospital<\/a><\/h3>\n
Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences<\/a><\/h3>\n
Warner School of Education and Human Development<\/a><\/h3>\n
Getting Social<\/h5>\n
![\"Linked+in+resized\"](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Linked-in-resized-1-300x74.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLeading by Example<\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/MarkandCarolynAin_ed-1-300x209.jpg\")
<\/p>\nUpcoming Events<\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/CarillonTubaQuartetresize-1-300x199.jpg\")
New York City Holiday Party<\/h3>\n
\nJW Marriott Essex House New York
\nNew York, N.Y.<\/strong><\/p>\nAn Evening with Wendell Castle<\/h3>\n