Annual Report 2001 - the University of Massachusetts Medical School

The University of Massachusetts
received an awe-inspiring gift—
the largest philanthropic donation
from an individual in its history—
when Jack and Shelley Blais
increased their commitment to
the Campaign for Research by
$15 million, to total $21 million.
Jack and Shelley Blais’ gift of $21 million to the Medical School is the largest gift to the University of
Massachusetts in its history. The Blaises are pictured here celebrating the new research building’s dedication
in October 2001.
Largest Gift in the University’s History: $21 million from Jack and Shelley Blais
The University of Massachusetts received an awe-inspiring gift—the largest philanthropic
donation from an individual in its history—when Jack and Shelley Blais increased their
commitment to the Campaign for Research by $15 million, to total $21 million. Their
latest magnificent gift was made during a surprise announcement at the October dinner
celebrating the dedication of the research building.
The Blaises have directed their gift to name the research building after Chancellor and Dean
Aaron Lazare. Mr. Blais remarked at the October dinner: “We have been so impressed
with the accomplishments at UMass Medical School under the leadership of Chancellor
and Dean Aaron Lazare, that the only thing ‘wrong’ with this beautiful new building is
that it doesn’t have a name. We want this building to have a name: the Aaron Lazare
Medical Research Building.”
A portion of the Blaises’ gift, $5 million, has been directed to name the John H. Pierce
Pediatric Research Laboratories, while another portion of their gift, $1 million, is to be used
by the chancellor at his discretion. The entrance pavilion in the research building has been
named for the Blaises in recognition of their inspiring generosity.
7