At the time of our 55th Reunion, we established our own endowment, known as the Yale Class of 1961 Cancer Endowment at the Yale Cancer Center. With initial contributions of about $500,000, the Endowment has grown to over $1.5 million and is the designated beneficiary of several additional planned gifts. Over 200 classmates, widows and friends have generously contributed to the cause. In accordance with our stated objectives, the Endowment has awarded a $50,000 grant each year, commencing in 2016, to a young Yale Cancer Center scientist doing groundbreaking cancer research. The recipient is chosen through a competitive process and the awards will be given in perpetuity. Commencing in 2020, two $50,000 grants will be given each year.
The 1961 Class Endowment is the first such Yale College class fund established at the Yale Cancer Center. It symbolizes our desire to take part in the monumental struggle against the dreaded disease which, at some part in our lives, will likely touch all of us. Gifts to the Endowment memorialize our Class in a cause that aids Yale and contributes to all of humanity. It is a shared legacy.
The Yale Cancer Center has nearly 300 cancer researchers on its faculty. It is one of only 49 National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Care Centers in the country and is headed by Dr. Charles Fuchs, who came to Yale from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The Yale School of Medicine continually ranks in the top tier for recipients of NIH grants.
Continuing annual gifts are most welcome. Checks should be made payable to Yale University noting on the memo line “Yale Class of 1961 Cancer Center Endowment” and sent to:
Yale University
Office of Development
PO Box 2038
New Haven, CT 06521-2038
If you have questions regarding gifts of stock or planned gifts, such as annuities or bequests, please contact one of the Y’61 Cancer Center Endowment co- chairmen, Ed Cantor (edward.cantor@aya.yale.edu), John deNeufville (jpdeneufville@yahoo.com) or Frosty Smith (dwsmith61@outlook.com)