A historic university milestone

Dear University Community: 

It is my distinct pleasure to announce that with the approval of the State University of New York Board of Trustees, this morning we announced the naming of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo in honor of Mr. Jeremy M. Jacobs, Chairman of the UB Council and one of our university’s most distinguished alumni and steadfast champions.

This is a great and historic milestone for UB, as the first school naming in our university’s long and distinguished history, and it is truly fitting that the medical school would have this distinction. As the first decanal unit at UB, the medical school—and its vision for improving the quality of life and fostering stronger, healthier communities—has been at the heart of this great university from the beginning. It is equally fitting that it should bear the name of an individual and a family who truly embody the vision that has guided our university for the better part of two centuries.

Throughout the years, Jeremy Jacobs and the entire Jacobs family have been tremendously generous with their time and resources in support of communities across our region and nation, and our university has benefited from that generosity in countless ways.

Now, as the most recent gift in a remarkable history of philanthropic support for our university, Chairman Jacobs and his family have made a major $30 million gift in support of UB’s School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

This generous gift builds upon a truly extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, service, and support Jeremy Jacobs and his family have devoted to our university over the years. Chairman Jacobs has enriched UB and our communities in extraordinary ways, and in so many different capacities—from his unparalleled leadership on the Council to his service as former chair of the UB Foundation, honorary co-chair of the most recent university-wide campaign, chair of two presidential searches, and more recently as co-chair of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences capital campaign. He has also brought great honor and visibility to our university and region as one of our most esteemed civic and business leaders—regionally, nationally, and globally. His leadership is truly remarkable in scope and relevance—whether he is leading one of the most successful professional sports franchises in the nation, advising the White House on the travel industry, or redefining the hospitality and tourism industries on a global scale.

As I remarked at this morning’s news conference, it is difficult to think of a greater UB champion than Jeremy Jacobs and the entire Jacobs family. And there is perhaps no greater tribute a university can make in recognition of extraordinary dedication and leadership than to name a school in one’s honor. In that spirit, it is truly a great pleasure to have this meaningful opportunity to honor Mr. Jacobs and the entire Jacobs family for the exceptional philanthropy and support they have devoted to our university community over the years.