UR campaign surpasses $1B mark

The University of Rochester’s campaign has passed the $1 billion mark, with the commitment of more than $4 million from James Aquavella, professor of ophthalmology.

Aquavella, a clinician and researcher in the university’s Flaum Eye Institute, made the gift in memory of his late wife, Kay, who was a nurse and administrator.

The university now joins a group of 29 private U.S. colleges and universities that have exceeded $1 billion. The ultimate objective for the university’s Meliora Challenge is to surpass $1.2 billion in commitments by June 30, 2016.