![\"Nathan](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/MoserHeadShot.jpg\")
Nathan Moser \u201975, National Chair,
George Eastman Circle<\/p><\/div>\n
Dear Friends,<\/p>\n
Our giving, totaling more than $60 million since 2007, is a reflection of our collective commitment and our membership of more than 2,900. And it is why our impact<\/a> is felt throughout the University and throughout the world. We are truly a group that derives its strength from its numbers.<\/p>\n Many members are renewing their commitment to the University this month, making this a particularly important time of year for the George Eastman Circle. In thinking about that, I want to emphasize that since our beginning, we have come a remarkably long way in a remarkably short amount of time. And we have been able to do that because so many of you continue to renew your commitments.<\/p>\n For the George Eastman Circle to realize its aspirations and continue to provide long-term leadership, keeping together is just as important as expanding. If you have not yet renewed your membership or submitted your George Eastman Circle payment, please do so today. I encourage you to think about the areas where you designate your support and about what makes them important to you.<\/p>\n To all of you\u2014continuing and new members\u2014thank you<\/em> for your dedication. Staying together and working together is helping us make a significant difference in many lives for many years to come.<\/p>\n Warm regards,<\/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 Jason Alexander and Doris Kearns Goodwin<\/p><\/div>\n Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin<\/strong> and actor Jason Alexander <\/strong>will be featured guests at Meliora Weekend 2014.<\/p>\n The University\u2019s annual celebration of class reunions, family weekend, and homecoming will take place October 16\u201319, 2014. As announced in the last issue of the George Eastman Circle Newsletter, Goodwin will provide a keynote address on Saturday, October 18 at 11 a.m. in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. She is the author of six critically acclaimed and New York Times <\/em>best-sellers, and her latest book, The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism<\/em>, was published in late 2013.<\/p>\n On Friday, October 17, also at Kodak Hall, Alexander willperform in An Evening with Jason Alexander<\/em> as part of theEastman Presents<\/em> concert series. All George Eastman Circle members will have the chance to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public, as well as attend an exclusive pre-concert reception<\/strong>. Beyond his portrayal of George Costanza on the hit NBC series Seinfeld<\/em>, Alexander has performed on Broadway, done stand-up comedy, acted in film, and directed. His live appearances feature comedy, music, and improvisation. He has won six Emmys, an American Television Award, two American Comedy Awards, a Tony Award, and was honored by The Actors Fund with the Julie Harris Award for Lifetime Achievement.<\/p>\n Actress and LGBT advocate Laverne Cox<\/strong> will also speak on Saturday, October 18. She currently appears in the Netflix original series Orange is the New Black<\/em>, playing the role of Sophia Burset, an incarcerated African-American transgender woman. She is the first trans woman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream scripted television show. Time<\/em> named Sophia Burset the fourth most influential character of 2013. Her acting credits include Law and Order<\/em>, Law and Order: SVU<\/em>, and Bored to Death<\/em>. She produced and starred in the VH1 show TRANSForm Me<\/em>. A graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, she has written for The Advocate<\/em> and The Huffington Post<\/em>.<\/p>\n Please note that there will not be a ticket lottery for the keynote address this year.<\/strong> For more information about the registration process for these and other Meliora Weekend events, please follow the appropriate link: Associate and Member levels<\/a>; Fellow, Benefactor, Patron, and Founder levels<\/a>.<\/strong><\/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 Sam and Marlene Datillo<\/p><\/div>\n All of our George Eastman Circle members have wonderful stories to share. We are pleased to feature this story from Charter Members who support the Horizons Program at the Warner School of Education.<\/em><\/p>\n Financial advisor Marlene Dattilo<\/strong> has always dreamed that her 27-year-old financial services firm in Rochester would one day be run predominantly by women. A perpetually shallow pool of qualified women candidates has curbed the possibility of her realizing that dream and, at the same time, motivated her to get involved in educational programs for young children.<\/p>\n Marlene, a member of the George Eastman Circle Rochester Leadership Council, was originally attracted to the Warner School by Science STARS<\/a> (Students Tackling Authentic and Relevant Science), an after-school science club exclusively for 7th- through 9th-grade female students. The program is led by April Luehmann, Ph.D., whose passion for empowering young women through education was very much in line with Marlene’s aspirations for women professionals.<\/p>\n As Marlene became more engaged with the Warner School, including service on the Dean’s Advisory Committee, another opportunity to engage in children\u2019s early education presented itself when she was approached by Lynn Gatto, Ph.D., assistant professor and executive director of Horizons at Warner<\/a>.<\/p>\n Horizons is a six-week, full-day summer enrichment program for K\u20138 Rochester City School District students that takes place on the University campus. It provides meaningful and authentic learning experiences in a non-traditional school setting, blending high-quality academics with arts, sports, cultural enrichment, field trips, and confidence-building activities. Inspired by Gatto\u2019s vision and energy, Marlene and her husband, Sam<\/strong>, use their George Eastman Circle memberships to support the program.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to catch children early,\u201d said Sam, a property manager and Delta Airlines employee, who also worked for the Monroe County Sheriff\u2019s Department for several years. \u201cI have seen what happens when young people do not have direction, focus, or support. Some will use opportunities and some won\u2019t, but it\u2019s important to focus on those you can help.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to the children of Horizons, the Dattilos are investing in the program\u2019s leadership. They see the dynamic Gatto as a pivotal piece of the puzzle and are excited to be a part of her dreams for Horizons.<\/p>\n The Dattilos added that philanthropy is in their DNA; each day, they wake up and want to give back. The George Eastman Circle enables them to make an immediate difference through a program they are both enthusiastic about supporting and promoting.<\/p>\n \u201cGiving back is important to us, particularly to organizations\u2014and the people like Lynn who lead them\u2014 that are helping to change lives,\u201d said Marlene, who was recently named Horizons’ board president. \u201cEducation is a great equalizer. Horizons takes the University into the community where it is addressing long-term needs\u2014that\u2019s where it does its finest work.\u201d<\/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 Elizabeth West Marvin, Eastman School of Music professor of music theory and brain and cognitive sciences, with Vasha Nair ’14E in a soundproof booth<\/p><\/div>\n George Eastman Circle members have pledged more than $60 million in annual funds since the program\u2019s inception in 2007. Here is a small sample of the innumerable ways your support has made an impact on the University and the surrounding community throughout 2013.<\/p>\n $16,273,174 pledged<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $2,106,114 pledged<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $344,941 pledged<\/p>\n Amounts pledged are current as of December 31, 2013.<\/p>\n To read more about how members’ support has made an impact across the University, visit the impact page<\/a> of the George Eastman Circle website.<\/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 University Trustee Tom Wilmot and Judy Wilmot Linehan encourage attendees\u2014many of whom were George Eastman Circle members\u2014to join them in supporting cancer research at the Wilmot Cancer Institute during the 15th annual Discovery Ball.<\/p><\/div>\n As a George Eastman Circle member, you are making a difference at the University, on a daily basis\u2014through your philanthropy and leadership in the community. Together, members provide the dedicated support that enables world-class research and health care and creates countless academic opportunities. And through your service as volunteers and professionals, you embody the University\u2019s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create\u2014and make the world ever better<\/em>.<\/p>\n Here are some members who are helping to make the University and the world \u201cever better\u201d:<\/p>\n University Trustee Laurence (Larry) H. Bloch \u201975, P\u201913S<\/strong>and Cindy Bloch P\u201913S<\/strong> honored Larry\u2019s close partnership with Charter Member James D. Thompson<\/strong>, former chief advancement officer of the University, with a significant contribution that established the James D. Thompson Chief Advancement Officer: Endowed by Larry and Cindy Bloch<\/strong>. The Blochs, who are both Charter Members, also created the Larry and Cindy Bloch Endowment for University Advancement to perpetuate the achievement of the Advancement program\u2019s mission. You can read more about this gift and Jim Thompson\u2019s impact on Advancement in the gift\u2019sofficial press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n Entrepreneur and George Eastman Circle member Martin (Marty) S. Lacoff \u201971S (MBA)<\/strong>, honored a close relationship with his former professor Michael C. Jensen, M.B.A., Ph.D.<\/strong>, with a $1.3 million commitment to the Simon Business School. The Michael C. Jensen Professorship<\/strong> will help the School remain at the forefront of education and research by supporting a leading Simon School faculty member. You can read more about Martin Lacoff and Michael Jensen in the April 2014 issue of Fast Forward<\/a>.<\/p>\n Charter Members Eva K. Pressman, M.D.<\/strong>, the Henry A. Thiede Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Seth M. Zeidman, M.D.<\/strong>, a neurosurgeon who is a member of Highland Hospital\u2019s medical staff, committed $750,000 to the Stephen L. Kates Research and Faculty Fund in Orthopaedics<\/strong>. Their gift was made in gratitude to Stephen L. Kates, M.D. \u201989M (Res)<\/strong>, the Hansj\u00f6rg Wyss Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, for saving Seth\u2019s life after a serious biking accident. The couple hopes it will inspire additional giving to fund a professorship in Kates\u2019 name. \u00a0You can read more about the gift and the Department of Orthopaedics in the official press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n Charter Member and University Trustee Alan F. Hilfiker \u201960<\/strong>was recognized for creating the Alan F. Hilfiker Distinguished Professorship in English<\/strong> at a formal installation ceremony on April 4. The professorship will help the English department sustain its rich history of talented faculty members, like Kenneth Gross, Ph.D.<\/strong>, who was installed as the inaugural holder. You can read more in the April 2014 issue of Fast Forward<\/a>.<\/p>\n On May 7 the University recognized Charter Member Jay Benet \u201976S (MBA)<\/strong> for establishing the Jay S. and Jeanne P. Benet Professor of Finance<\/strong>. Jay and his wife, Jeanne, established the professorship to support the recruitment and retention of a Simon Business School faculty member who is a leading scholar in the field of finance. The ceremony also recognized Ron Kaniel, Ph.D.<\/strong>, as the professorship\u2019s first holder. You can read more about Ron Kaniel\u2019s achievements in the May 2014 issue of Fast Forward<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Wilmot Family<\/strong>, including University Trustee Thomas Wilmot<\/strong> and Judy Wilmot Linehan<\/strong>\u2014both Charter Members\u2014and the James P. Wilmot Foundation provided a $4 million cornerstone gift for the Wilmot Cancer Institute\u2019s new $30 million campaign in support of cancer research. The gift and campaign were announced during the 15th annual Discovery Ball on May 10. For more information, you can read the press releases for the Wilmots\u2019 gift<\/a>\u00a0and the launch of the Wilmot Cancer Institute\u2019s campaign<\/a>.<\/p>\n On May 13, the University community formally dedicated theLinda E. Sloan Studio<\/strong>. The studio is part of a visionary commitment from Charter Members Linda Sloan \u201967<\/strong> and her husband, University Trustee Tom Sloan \u201965, \u201967 (MS)<\/strong> to enrich campus life and students\u2019 exposure to the arts. Sloan Studio, located in Todd Union, provides dedicated space for the International Theatre Program and the performing arts. You can read more in the May 2014 issue of Fast Forward<\/a>.<\/p>\n President Joel Seligman<\/strong> announced that Charter MemberJamal R. Rossi \u201987E (DMA)<\/strong> would be the second Joan and Martin Messinger Dean of the Eastman School of Music on May 13. Rossi succeeds the late Douglas Lowry<\/strong>, who served as the first Messinger Dean and stepped down due to illness. You can read more about Dean Rossi\u2019s announcement on the Eastman School\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Charter Members Bradford Berk \u201981M (MD), \u201981M (PhD)<\/strong>, CEO of the Medical Center and UR Medicine and University senior vice president for health sciences, and Arthur Moss \u201962M (Res), \u201965M (Flw)<\/strong> were both recognized by the University on May 14. At a formal installation ceremony, Moss became the Bradford C. Berk, MD, PhD Distinguished Professor<\/strong>, which was established by a $1.5 million gift from Berk and his family, as well as a $500,000 contribution from the University\u2019s Department of Medicine. You can read more in the May 2014 issue of Fast Forward<\/a>\u00a0or in the press release<\/a> for Berk\u2019s gift.<\/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>\nAlexander and Goodwin Highlight Meliora Weekend 2014<\/h5>\n
![\"Jason](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Alexander-Goodwin_FF-1.jpg\")
Leveling the Field<\/h5>\n
![\"Sam](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/131115__DSC9916_FF.jpg\")
Your Philanthropy at Work<\/h5>\n
![\"Elizabeth](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/2012-09-19_Betsy_Marvin_119_FF.jpg\")
School of Arts & Sciences\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
Memorial Art Gallery\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
Strong Memorial Hospital\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
University News<\/h5>\n
![\"University](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Wilmot.jpg\")
![\"GardenParty\"](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/giving\/gec\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/GardenParty.jpg\")
<\/p>\n