University of Michigan Health System Announces $56 Million Gift to Medical Research Institute
University of Michigan Health System Announces $56 Million Gift to Medical Research Institute
The University of Michigan Health System has announced a $56 million gift from retail pioneer A. Alfred Taubman to the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute.
The commitment by Taubman increases his total giving to the university to $142 million, making him the largest individual donor in U-M history. The gift will be added to the institute's endowment, which supports the research of Taubman Scholars — leading U-M faculty members who are both laboratory scientists and physicians with active clinical practices.
Over the years, Taubman's gifts to the institute have supported numerous U-M scientists working to turn laboratory research into clinical treatments. To date, for example, five human clinical trials have been launched targeting cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The institute also is home to the only laboratory producing embryonic stem cell lines in the state. In recognition of his latest gift, the university's Biomedical Science Research Building will be renamed the A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building.
"This is a very special day for me," said Taubman. "I'm making the largest commitment I've ever made to any institution, but more importantly I've never been as excited about a donation's potential to have an impact on the lives and well-being of people in this nation and around the world. It is my family's honor to be a part of the U-M family and to contribute to the work of so many brilliant people. Our goal is to create a legacy of excellence in medical research at the University of Michigan."
| 
