News Release

September 22, 2004

Contact: Jane Shaskan, 860-679-4777
e-mail: shaskan@nso.uchc.edu

Media Invitation

Cancer Center Dedication September 26

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Two long-time UConn donors, who have given the largest single gifts to UConn and to the UConn Health Center, will be honored at a dedication ceremony of the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center Sunday, September 26, at 2 p.m. at the Health Center.

Torrington natives Carole and Ray Neag have a long history of support for the university. In 1999, Ray Neag gave $23 million to UConn, his alma mater. Two million dollars of that went to the Health Center to establish the Ray Neag Distinguished Chair in Vascular Biology. Carole Neag has established two scholarships at the UConn School of Nursing.

In August, the Neags gave a $10 million gift for the cancer program at the Health Center. Named in their honor, the center is designed to translate ongoing research into advanced clinical care by combining biomedical research, medical education, and clinical care under one interdisciplinary umbrella. The goal is to integrate core strengths in several areas, including vaccine research, molecular biology, tumor growth and gene analysis and create a world-class program that transforms cancer treatment.

Speaking at the dedication will be Peter Deckers, M.D., executive vice president for Health Affairs; Carolyn Runowicz, M.D., director of the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Philip E. Austin, UConn president. The program will take place in the Massey Auditorium, adjacent to the Academic Lobby, Academic Entrance.

The Neags now reside in Wyomissing, Pa.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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