Back
“Visionary philanthropy can alter the course of science,” says Dr. John Mazziotta, vice chancellor, UCLA Health Sciences, and CEO, UCLA Health. The recent landmark pledge made by Tamar and Vatche Manoukian to the division of digestive diseases in David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is just the type of philanthropy he means.
The Manoukians’ generous gift has inspired additional anonymous pledged support, bringing the total on behalf of the Manoukians to $30 million. To recognize the couple’s leadership philanthropy, the university has named the division and 100 UCLA Medical Plaza in their honor.
Investment in Innovation
UCLA Division of Digestive Diseases is renowned for its comprehensive research and ranks #5 in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2016–2017 survey. The division is a standard bearer, and this significant investment will enable UCLA to raise the bar even higher.
“Tamar and Vatche’s exceptional philanthropy will help ensure that UCLA can continue unraveling the mysteries of digestive diseases, make transformative scientific discoveries, and develop the physician leaders of the future,” says Dr. Eric Esrailian, co-chief of UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases and Lincy Foundation Chair in Clinical Gastroenterology in David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “They know that innovation requires leadership and investment.”
Inspiring Growth and Giving
A leader in the Armenian community, Vatche Manoukian has been involved in a wide range of businesses, and he and his wife have continued his family’s tradition of charitable work throughout the world. “Tamar and I believe that philanthropy can shape the future,” says Manoukian. “We hope that our gift will not only change medical science but also be a model for others.”
Published December 2016
