The University of California, Irvine has received a $15 million donation from the Brunson Foundation, led by James and Cynthia DeBoard. The gift will name the Center for Translational Vision Research in the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building and is dedicated to the memory of entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert M. Brunson.
“We are deeply grateful to the Brunson Foundation for this transformational gift that will accelerate our mission to develop life-changing treatments for blinding diseases,” said Dr. Steve Goldstein, vice chancellor for UC Irvine Health Affairs. “This investment honors Robert Brunson’s legacy while positioning UC Irvine at the forefront of vision research innovation, where our scientists and clinicians can pursue the most promising avenues to restore and preserve sight.”
Of the total amount, $5 million will go toward completing construction and equipping the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building, which is designed as a collaborative research hub. The remaining $10 million will create an endowment for the newly named Brunson Center for Translational Vision Research under director Krzysztof Palczewski, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Donald Bren Professor and Irving H. Leopold Chair in Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.
“The Brunson Foundation’s generosity honors Bob Brunson’s life and legacy in a way that will impact patients for generations,” Palczewski said. Dr. Baruch Kuppermann will serve as clinical co-director of the center.
The 215,000-square-foot facility is one of the largest translational research buildings on the West Coast and brings together experts from various fields to address health challenges such as dementia, blindness, epilepsy, and cancer through advanced therapies including stem cells and gene therapies.
Robert M. Brunson was recognized as an entrepreneur who held executive roles at several companies before becoming a Taco Bell franchise owner in 1986. He also served on federal boards after appointments by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
“It is an honor to hold the role of trustee of the Brunson Foundation and carry out the philanthropic vision of my dear friend and longtime business partner, Bob Brunson,” James DeBoard said. “We believe success happens when one works with great people, and Dr. Kuppermann and Dr. Palczewski exemplify just this. We look forward to the strides that will be made in vision research, treatment and care under their leadership and expertise.”
DeBoard noted that their familiarity with UCI Health led them to support its ophthalmology research efforts under Palczewski’s and Kuppermann’s leadership.
“This extraordinary investment will empower us to push the boundaries of discovery, moving promising therapies from the lab into the clinic more rapidly,” Kuppermann said.
UC Irvine continues its Brilliant Future campaign—launched publicly in October 2019—to increase awareness about university initiatives by engaging alumni support and seeking $2 billion in philanthropic investments (https://brilliantfuture.uci.edu/uci-school-of-medicine).
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is part of the Association of American Universities with over 36,000 students enrolled across 224 degree programs (www.uci.edu). The campus contributes significantly to Orange County’s economy.
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