Top Names in Science, Business, and Entertainment Join at “Celebrate Downstate” April 2nd Gala to Benefit Medical Research
Feb 24, 2011
Legendary sports hero Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and actor Steven Schirripa will join leading figures in science, business, and education to celebrate SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University’s history of achievement.
“Celebrate Downstate,” at the Plaza Hotel on April 2, is an evening of fine dining and dancing to support
the work of SUNY Downstate’s clinical and basic researchers.
“This event will help ensure that Downstate’s reputation as a leader in academic medicine,
innovation, and entrepreneurship continues to grow,” says President John C. LaRosa,
MD.
Hosted by News 4 New York reporter Brian Thompson, “Celebrate Downstate” will honor
four leaders in science and innovation. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be given
posthumously to Hugh J. Carroll, MD, a brilliant scientist and teacher at Downstate
for more than 40 years; Raymond V. Damadian, MD, president and chairman of FONAR Corporation,
will be recognized for scientific innovation for his role in inventing MRI technology;
Herbert Pardes, MD, president and CEO of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, will receive
the Outstanding Alumnus Award; and David E. I. Pyott, chairman of the board and CEO
of Allergan, Inc., will by honored for corporate achievement.
Douglas Lazzaro, MD, chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and event chairman,
says, “Celebrate Downstate is a wonderful opportunity to honor those who have advanced
medicine and transformed lives.” He adds, “Funds raised will help spur research and
pave the way for new breakthroughs in medicine and biotechnology.”
The deadline to purchase seating for the event is March 15. Individual seats cost
$600; tables are $6,000. If you would like to make a contribution, email celebrate@downstate.edu
or go online to downstate.kintera.org/giving/donate and select Celebrate Downstate.
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About SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn is one of four academic health centers (AMCs) in The State University of New York (SUNY) 64-campus system and the only SUNY AMC in New York City dedicated to health education, research, and patient care for the borough’s 2.7 million residents. Its flagship hospital, University Hospital at Downstate (UHD), is a teaching hospital and benefits from the expertise of Downstate’s exceptional medical school and world-class academic center research facilities. With a staff of over 800 physicians representing 53 specialties and subspecialties, Downstate offers comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
UHD provides high-risk neonatal and infant services, pediatric nephrology, and dialysis for kidney diseases and is the only kidney transplantation program in Brooklyn. Beyond its clinical expertise, Downstate houses a range of esteemed educational institutions, including its College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Public Health. Downstate fosters innovation through its multifaceted biotechnology initiative, the Biotechnology Incubator and BioBAT, which support early-stage and more mature biotech companies.