Thomas Jefferson University has received a $110 million gift — the single largest in its history — from the Sidney Kimmel Foundation. The gift will benefit Jefferson Medical College, which will be renamed the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University effective today.

“On behalf of the entire Jefferson community, I am honored that the Sidney Kimmel Foundation chose to bestow its overwhelming generosity on Jefferson Medical College,” said Stephen K. Klasko, M.D., M.B.A., President and CEO, Thomas Jefferson University and TJUH System.  “This transformative gift will redefine and shape the future of healthcare education at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College for many years to come.  The vision and philanthropic leadership of Sidney and Caroline Kimmel will continue to attract the nation’s finest students who seek out Jefferson for its academic excellence. This gift not only benefits the Jefferson community but our entire city.”

“My heart has always been in Philadelphia and Jefferson is the soul of this city,” said Philadelphia native and philanthropist Sidney Kimmel. “Caroline and I are delighted to support the education and training of future young men and women who will dedicate their lives to the art and science of medicine.  We are confident the years they spend at Jefferson will have a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of countless lives throughout Philadelphia and the nation.”

This landmark gift will create the following funds to further Jefferson’s tripartite mission of forward-thinking education, innovative research and compassionate patient care.

• The Caroline Kimmel Endowment Fund for Scholarships — awarded to attract the top medical students who exhibit both high intellectual and emotional intelligence.
• The Sidney Kimmel Capital Fund—to ensure that future students and faculty have state of the art facilities that will help differentiate the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.
• The Sidney Kimmel Innovation and Research Fund — to establish the Sidney Kimmel Medical College as a leader of healthcare innovation and research, by attracting the faculty of the future; distinguished faculty from around the country who will inspire tomorrow’s physician leaders.
• The Sidney Kimmel Presidential Endowment Fund — to support initiatives such as faculty recruitment, retention, research and publication that will be most important to the future of Sidney Kimmel Medical College and Thomas Jefferson University.

Sidney Kimmel was born and raised in Philadelphia, and his philanthropy reflects a deep devotion to his hometown.  He is the lead donor to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts as well as the National Museum of American Jewish History, and he funded construction of the Kimmel Theater at the National Constitution Center.  He was founder and chairman of Jones Apparel Group, one of the world’s leading designers and marketers of branded apparel, footwear and accessories.  Since 1993, the Sidney Kimmel Foundation and its subsidiary, the Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research, have committed more than $750 million to philanthropic causes.  Nearly three-quarters of these gifts have benefited advanced cancer research through the establishment of cancer centers, including Jefferson’s Kimmel Cancer Center.

“Jefferson has benefited enormously from Sidney’s generosity through his unwavering support for cancer research and cardiac care,” commented Richard Gozon, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Thomas Jefferson University.  “This extraordinary gift is a defining moment for Jefferson and demonstrates his trust in our ability to be a leader in shaping the future of healthcare.”

“The medical students who train at Jefferson know they will receive an unparalleled experience and a degree that sets them apart from their peers,” said Mark Tykocinski, M.D., The Anthony F. and Gertrude DePalma Dean of Jefferson Medical College.  “This magnanimous gift will enable our faculty to provide training, investigative and clinical care environments that will ensure greater successes among our students for decades to come.”