Saunders to make $30 million gift to URMC

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The University of Rochester Medical Center has secured a $30 million commitment from the Saunders Foundation, led by entrepreneur and philanthropist Philip Saunders. The gift will support novel research and clinical programs in orthopaedics, faculty in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and nursing students, officials say.

Most of the donation ($25 million) will go toward the work of the UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center. The remainder will create a named professorship in orthopaedics at the School of Medicine and Dentistry and establish new scholarships in the School of Nursing.

UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center

In recognition of the gift from Saunders, a UR trustee emeritus, the university plans to name its facility at 10 Miracle Drive in Henrietta as the Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance.

“It’s no secret that the University of Rochester is one of the premier medical facilities in the country,” Saunders says. “People come from all over to seek medical treatment from the gifted physicians on staff. Adding the Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance elevates the university and allows patients to receive the very best from this state-of-the-art facility.”

UR president Sarah Mangelsdorf called Saunders one of the university’s great champions.

“His latest example of generous support for our medical center, our pioneering research and clinical care, and our incredible nurses is a testament to his commitment to the university and to the community of Greater Rochester,” she says. “We share his vision for advancing the health and well-being of everyone in our region by providing world-class medical care close to home.”

An endowed research fund and professorship in the Department of Orthopaedics will be named for Dean’s Professor Michael Maloney M.D. A renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Maloney is director of the Center for Human Athleticism Musculoskeletal Performance and Prevention. The center, founded by Maloney, offers a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to athletic performance, injury prevention and wellness.

“I’ve known Phil a very long time, and while I am not at all surprised by his generosity, I am humbled to know that a future faculty member in the School of Medicine and Dentistry will carry a title with my name,” Maloney says. “Endowed professorships allow us to recruit top talent to Rochester and help raise the reputation of the school among our peers.”

At the School of Nursing, Saunders’ gift will establish an endowed scholarship to support the nursing career goals of staff members at UR Medicine Noyes Health in Dansville, officials say.

“Phil sees the big picture,” says Lisa Kitko, dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing and vice president of URMC. “He knows how important nursing is to health care, and how an investment in nursing education benefits his community and our health system as a whole. By creating scholarships at the nursing school, he is making it possible for deserving Noyes staff members to advance their professional skills and achieve their career goals.”

Saunders is known for many a successful venture including Genesee Regional Bank, Truck Stops of America and Travel Centers of America. He remains active in the community and his generosity to UR is visible through the Saunders Family Distinguished Professorship in Neuromuscular Research, the E. Philip and Carole Saunders Professorship in Neuromuscular Research, and the Saunders Endowed Fellowship in Neuromuscular Research.

In 2015, UR bestowed Saunders with its Eastman Medal, which honors those whose achievements and service embody the institution’s highest ideals.

Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. Submissions to the Letters page should be sent to [email protected]

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