Over $400 Million Raised to Date, Including Largest Gift in the College of Medicine's History

BRONX, N.Y., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Addressing an enthusiastic gathering of more than 400 supporters, alumni and faculty, Allen M. Spiegel, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean of Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, tonight publicly announced the College of Medicine's largest fundraising efforta capital campaign to raise at least $500 million, known as "The Campaign to Transform Einstein."

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On what was promoted as a "historic" evening at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, Dr. Spiegel revealed that a bequest of more than $160 millionthe largest gift in the school's 60-year historyhad recently been received from a leading Einstein supporter. The college has raised more than $400 million in this campaign, and is poised to meet or exceed its goal. The funds raised are allowing the research-intensive medical school to experience remarkable growth, spearheaded by the leadership of Dr. Spiegel, who arrived at Einstein in 2006 following a distinguished 30-year career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Of particular note was the recent bequest by longtime supporter Muriel Block, who died in 2010, having generously provided for Einstein through her estate. The gift, given in the name of Mrs. Block and her late husband, real estate executive Harold Block, will significantly advance the College of Medicine's goal of improving human health, and in recognition the school will name several significant entities for the Blocks, including:

(Learn more about how the gift from Harold and Muriel Block will be used and honored at Einstein.)

"I am grateful for the visionary leadership and support of Einstein's Board of Overseers, and for the remarkable generosity of Muriel Block and our other donors," said Dr. Spiegel. "They can all take pride in Einstein as a medical school that will excel in achieving its educational and research mission."

In addition to doubling the rate of fundraising during Dr. Spiegel's tenure, Einstein was awarded $160 million in NIH funding for 2012, a 61 percent increase over 20002003, when the NIH budget was doubling and the success rate for applications was twice what it is now. The 2012 funding allocation occurred at a time when the NIH budget was flat and securing grants incredibly difficult. Since 2006, the College of Medicine has added more than 140 faculty members, including key chairs and senior-level recruits from leading institutions. Einstein has also established institutes and centers in fields of national importance, including cardiovascular disease; cancer prevention and control; stem cell research and regenerative medicine; and clinical and translational research.

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Albert Einstein College of Medicine Announces $500 Million Capital Campaign