Fridae

The multi-media mogul David Geffen donated US$200 million to the UCLA School of Medicine, the largest single donation ever made to a medical school in the United States.

"I believe each of us has a responsibility to give back in some way. Los Angeles is my home and I want to do my part in contributing to its future," said Geffen. "I have great respect and affection for UCLA and my hope is that with this gift, UCLA's doctors and researchers will be better equipped to unravel medicine's mysteries -- and deliver the cures for tomorrow."

The medical school will now be named after David Geffen, said UCLA's Chancellor Albert Carnesale. "This is an enduring gift that will benefit people today and for generations to come."

"UCLA School of Medicine's leadership role has always been dependent on training the finest scientists and physicians - professionals who both understand the human side of medicine and also possess the clinical and research skills necessary to bring about the next generation of medical and research breakthroughs," Levey said. "Mr. Geffen's gift will enhance UCLA's contribution to the health and well-being of our society."

Geffen is a partner of DreamWorks SKG, the Entertainment Company co-founded by Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg in October 1994. Geffen is also a major benefactor to several organizations including AIDS Project Los Angeles, Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.

The UCLA School of Medicine receives 13 percent of its funding from the state. The rest of the funding comes from research grants, patient care revenue and donations.

"This gift will give UCLA -- and the UC system -- the competitive edge in attracting the most promising medical students and scholars," said Gov. Gray Davis. "It will also enable this exemplary public institution to continue to foster a dynamic learning environment -- bringing together the best and the brightest minds of the 21st century."