Thriving Communities

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.

Recognized nationally and internationally as a respected center that combines scientific research, clinical services, and hands-on mentoring and training in one facility, Mt. Hope Family Center (MHFC) stands as one of the University of Rochester’s most acclaimed centers of excellence.

The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is advancing its effort to make general admission permanently free, thanks to a milestone gift from Mary Ellen Burris ’68W (EdM)—a community leader, Warner School of Education and Human Development alumna, and longtime supporter of the University of Rochester.

As part of For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester, University Trustee Jay S. Benet ’76S (MBA) and Jeanne Benet have committed $1 million to establish an endowed scholarship at the Simon Business School.

For Liverpool, staying connected to the University of Rochester became her anchor during that transition. Through alumni events, mentorship opportunities, and simple check-ins with professors and former classmates, she discovered the same support system that helped her thrive as a student was still there—just in a new form.

"Mentoring with the University of Rochester has been the most fulfilling thing I can do, and it is my own way of paying it forward,” said Asghar. He went on to explain that giving back does not have to be a monetary transaction, sharing, “Sometimes it’s just about being there for folks emotionally and helping them clear their heads and be accountable.”

When Lisa Jones (Wilson) ’16S (MS), ’17S (MBA) earned her degrees from Rochester, she was working full-time as a social worker and supporting her family. She went to classes on weekends, and while the process was hard, she said, “It’s one of the best things I’ve done.”

For Skow, volunteering is a way to recognize and continue the support she received from the University during her early academic and professional journey, inspiring her to give back and support current and prospective students like herself.

Thanks to civic leader Abby Bennett and Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) and University of Rochester Trustee Doug Bennett ’06S (MBA), and the Sands Family Foundation, the University’s art museum is halfway to its goal of offering free admission to everyone who walks through its doors.

For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester is made possible by the dedicated alumni and friends who generously give their time and talents in pursuit of our mission. Their efforts—with your support—propel the University toward its ambitious goals: to raise $1.75 billion in philanthropic contributions and to engage 250,000 alumni, parents, grateful patients, and friends by 2030.

My favorite part of leading the D.C. Women’s Network is connecting different generations of grads who can lift each other up, inspire, and offer wisdom. Interestingly it goes both ways! A number of our older alumnae have become really inspired and learned from the younger alumnae as well! And, we all know that, in DC especially, who your “network” is can be a huge part of your ability to advance in your career.