UCSD: Cancer Center Receives $20M Donation
Plans to build a regional cancer center on the UC-San Diego campus received a boost last week after a local family donated $20 million toward the project, the Los Angeles Times reports. University officials announced that the facility will be named after San Diego Padres majority owner John Moores and his wife Rebecca, who made the contribution. The facility will offer clinical and research space for more than 300 doctors, researchers and others employed by the UCSD Cancer Center (Perry, 5/5). "When we lived in Houston, we observed the profound impact of a vigorous, highly regarded cancer center equally dedicated to research and patient care," the Moores said in a written statement. In addition to their gift, Jerome Katzin, a attorney and former investment banker, and his wife Miriam, pledged $15 million. The university has collected $47 million of the estimated $100 million needed for building and clinical care costs. "We can now see on the horizon the realization of a dream," Dr. David Tarin, associate dean for cancer affairs and the new center's director, said. Aside from providing better patient care, officials hope the new facility will attract more qualified scientists and serve as a magnet for federal and private funding. Construction is slated to begin next year, pending approval by the UC Board of Regents (Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5/5).
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