Meet your campaign co-chairs

Behind every bold plan to make the world a better place is a group of passionate individuals who answer the call of leadership: to act and to inspire others to action.

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.

Gratitude and a strong commitment to Meliora resonate with the campaign’s leadership volunteers.

“As the first in my family to attend college and graduate school, I know firsthand the transformative power of education,” says University Trustee and Campaign Co-Chair Juan Jones ’88S (MBA). “I stay involved and give back to ensure that students of limited means have the same opportunities I did—and to inspire others to do the same.”

University Trustee and Campaign Co-Chair Joan Beal ’84E is moved by the standard of excellence at the University. “Rochester is where I discovered my voice. The brilliant professors and encouraging mentors, gifted classmates, soaring performances, intense rehearsals, and hours spent in the library or practice room—all were transformational,” adds Beal.

Others are motivated by a desire to make an impact in the community. “As proud alumni and community members, the University and its Medical Center have played a meaningful role in our lives,” say Peter Landers ’83 (MS) and Kathy Landers ’82, URMC Campaign Co-Chairs. “We have experienced firsthand the compassion, expertise, and dedication that define URMC. Supporting the mission here honors the care our family has received while helping ensure future generations experience the same excellence, comfort, and hope.”

University Trustee Kenneth Ouriel ’77, ’86M (Res), ’87M (Flw), and Joy Bracker Ouriel P’08S, URMC Campaign Co-Chairs, underscore this: “Supporting the University is our way to pay it forward. It’s about creating possibilities for those with the same mindset as us—those whose mission is to make life better and healthier for others.”

The For Ever Better campaign leadership volunteers include:

Campaign Co-Chairs

• University Trustee Joan Beal ’84E
• University Trustee Juan Jones ’88S (MBA)

Engagement Initiative Co-Chairs

• Jason Buitrago ’07, ’14W (MS)
• University Trustee Lizette Perez-Deisboeck ’87

Honorary Campaign Chairs

• coming soon

Campaign Planning Committee Co-Chairs

• University Trustee Nomi Bergman ’85, P’15, P’22
• University Trustee Alan Zekelman ’87S (MS), ’16 (Honorary)

URMC Campaign Committee Co-Chairs

• Kathleen Landers ’82
• Peter Landers ’83 (MS)
• Joy Ouriel P’08S
• University Trustee Kenneth Ouriel ’77, ’86M (Res), ’87M (Flw), P’08S