Welcome

May 12, 2007 marked the 15th anniversary of the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. UM/Sylvester’s record of achievement in research, education, and patient care has transformed cancer efforts in South Florida and beyond.

All of this would not have been possible without the generous and visionary leadership of Harcourt Sylvester Jr., who passed away in August just a few months shy of our 15th anniversary celebration. Mr. Sylvester was an inspirational human being and a devoted philanthropist, and we miss him greatly.

In 1986, under Mr. Sylvester’s leadership, the Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation committed $27.5 million to the University of Miami to create South Florida’s only university-based cancer center. Six years later, UM/Sylvester officially opened its doors.

Today, more than 240 physicians and scientists work together to realize Mr. Sylvester’s vision of a comprehensive cancer center, and thousands of patients each year receive lifesaving cancer care at locations in Miami and Deerfield Beach.

The Sylvester family’s generosity continues to make a profound difference in our community. To date, the family foundation has committed more than $50 million to support cancer programs at the Miller School of Medicine, including many breakthrough initiatives at the cancer center. This is an exciting time at the University of Miami.

Sincerely,
W. Jarrard Goodwin, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Sylvester Professor of Otolaryngology
Director, UM/Sylvester