Engagement

As part of For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester, Stephen D. Fantone ’79 (PhD) and Elizabeth “Betsy” Fantone have established an endowed early-career professorship at the University’s Institute of Optics. Their generous gift will be amplified by additional support from the Wyant Optics Challenge.

Maria Cubillos Reed ’97, Monroe County’s first Hispanic family court judge, recognizes that representation matters and hopes to inspire and mentor University of Rochester students to become leaders in their own communities through her involvement in the Latin Alumni Network.

As part of For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester, community advocates Lee Backus ’62 and Cicily Backus have made a $1 million gift to strengthen financial aid for graduate students at the Warner School. Through a combination of endowed scholarship support and a matching challenge fund, their generosity has the potential to generate up to $2 million in financial aid for future graduate students.

Alayna Leestma ’27, Claire Cho ’28, Triet Ly ’29, and Ivan Cea Gomez ’27. Not pictured: Pieran “Levi” Li ’27. This summer’s inaugural Hire Rochester undergraduates are building skills, confidence, and professional connections.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Alexander A. Levitan ’63M (MD) earned international recognition as an oncologist, educator, and expert in clinical hypnosis. Yet those who knew him best often spoke first about his generosity—his unwavering commitment to helping others succeed, and his belief that education could change lives.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of its members and the community, the University of Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) will open its doors to all—free of charge—sometime in 2027, much sooner than anticipated.

As part of For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester, Trustee Ria Nova ’98, a finance and investment industry executive, has committed $1 million to support scholarships and student success initiatives at the University of Rochester. The gift will provide both immediate funding and permanent support for undergraduate students.