Reminisced University Trustee David M. Flaum as a 'fervent advocate' for the University and community
David M. Flaum: A Visionary Philanthropist for The University of Rochester
David M. Flaum, a renowned philanthropist, entrepreneur, and community advocate, passed away on August 20 at the age of 67. His contributions to The University of Rochester, particularly through his association with the Flaum Eye Institute, have been instrumental in supporting research, education, and clinical care at the medical center.
The Flaum Eye Institute, the region's only eye institute, is a leader in specialty eye care. It conducts clinical trials and pioneers new diagnostics and treatments, making significant strides in ophthalmology. This institute, named in his honor, is a testament to Flaum's philanthropy and his dedication to advancing vision science and patient treatment.
Flaum's philanthropy and naming of the institute reflect his significant financial support that has enabled advancements in ophthalmology research and patient care at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). The Flaum Eye Institute is part of a broader collaborative research environment that includes the Del Monte Neuroscience Institute, contributing to studies on visual cortex organization and biological visual restoration using advanced technologies and methodologies.
Under Flaum's support, the institute has been involved in cutting-edge neuroscience and ophthalmology research, often in collaboration with the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester. This scientific synergy fosters innovation that benefits both clinical applications and basic science understanding.
The resources and support from benefactors like Flaum have helped the institute maintain high standards in clinical care for eye diseases, facilitating advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. This support contributes to improved patient outcomes in ophthalmology at URMC.
David Flaum served as chairman, founder, and CEO of Flaum Management Company, Inc. of Rochester. He was also a member of Syracuse's Board of Trustees, where the David & Ilene Grand Hall at the Whitman School is named after him and his wife. In addition to his support for the Flaum Eye Institute, the Flaums provided generous support to many other areas of the University, including Golisano Children's Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Institute, FF Thompson Hospital, and others.
Flaum was a board member of the University of Rochester Medical Center since 1998 and joined the University of Rochester Board of Trustees in 2007. His devotion to the institute, as noted by David A. DiLoreto, Jr, MD, PhD, director of the Flaum Eye Institute and chair of ophthalmology, allowed many to build their careers, perform groundbreaking vision research, and preserve and save the sight of thousands.
Mark B. Taubman, MD, CEO of the medical center and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, also noted Flaum's support for the institute. University flags will be lowered on September 10 to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Flaum Eye Institute and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, where Flaum served as a board member.
Flaum's legacy at the University of Rochester is evident through his philanthropy and the sustained impact of the institute that bears his name on the medical center’s research and clinical missions. His contributions will continue to shape the future of vision science and patient care at the University of Rochester.
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