$22 million gift from Alfred Taubman launches new biomedical research...(pport the important research of the univ...)

The new gift is a bold expression of faith in the potential impact of laboratory research, and in the strength of U-Ms position in the life sciences, says Dr. Kelch. Mr. Taubman clearly sees the value of giving brilliant people the freedom they need to explore new avenues, and to pursue innovative ideas, in the quest to overcome major diseases or reduce the impact of disease on individuals and society, he explains. We are grateful for his generosity and his vision.

Philanthropy is the lifeblood of the worlds great universities, says University President Mary Sue Coleman. Generous gifts such as Mr. Taubmans, which provide funds devoted specifically to seeding innovative research in perpetuity, are what ensure U-Ms long-term ability to build and sustain its contributions to society. Moreover, in the process of conducting this research, we will also be able to train new generations of researchers and educators.

The timing of the new gift could not be better, says U-M Medical School Dean James O. Woolliscroft, M.D. During a time when the federal governments financial support for research is wavering, philanthropic contributions are increasingly providing the support necessary to carry out promising research. At the same time, this gift allows us to recognize and support our distinguished investigators in a way that will surely help retain them at Michigan and attract future faculty as well.

The first five scholars are:

• Valerie Castle, M.D., a pediatric cancer specialist whose laboratory is working on strategies to make cancer cells commit suicide in the most common form of solid-tumor cancers in children. Dr. Castle is also chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, and the Ravitz Foundation Professor of Pediatrics.