Six leading philanthropists were honored for impactful contributions to scientific research and education during a special awards ceremony, “Partners in Discovery: A Celebration of Science,” held at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology on Jan. 22.
In a heartfelt series of testimonials, scientists and institute leaders described how much they had gained from their connections with the donors who have supported their work and their students since the institute joined the University of Florida in April of 2022. Awardees were presented with original artwork by mixed-media artist Andrew Wang, titled “Together We Rise.” Each work is composed of colorful paper origami cranes, a symbol of hope and resilience, arranged in the shape of the institute’s iconic spire, which evokes the double helix of DNA rising skyward.
Scientific Director Patrick Griffin, Ph.D., provided an update on the institute since its UF integration, describing many new collaborations with the UF College of Medicine, the UF College of Veterinary Medicine and the UF Health Cancer Center, in areas including cancer, infectious diseases, and more.
“This UF institute here in Jupiter is a special place. It’s where scientists examine the origin and complexity of diseases, in search of answers, to treat, or better yet, prevent those diseases,” Griffin said. “Roughly a dozen of our faculty are members of UF Health’s Cancer Center, which is one of 72 centers with National Cancer Institute designation and one of only three in Florida. We’re bridging the research excellence here with the clinical expertise in Gainesville.”
Maria Gutierrez Martin, interim vice president for UF Advancement, announced the first Chairman’s Award would be granted to the institute’s namesake, Dr. Herbert Wertheim, O.D., D.Sc., M.D., (hc), for his transformative $100 million gift in 2022.
“Your leadership extends far beyond the confines of a single field or discipline,” Martin said. “Through your transformational giving, you’ve strengthened our university as a whole, making it a hub where innovative ideas take root and flourish.”
The evening’s moderator was WPBF25 News Anchor Tiffany Kenney, who announced the highlight of the night, a series of five “Partners in Discovery” awards for foundations and donors whose support has been crucial to the institute’s achievements.
Recognizing visionary donors
See Photos from Partners in Discovery: A Celebration of Science
January 22, 2025
The awardees:
The Courage in Discovery Award went to Ed and Jane Greenberg. The Greenbergs’ generosity enabled establishment of the Ed and Jane Greenberg Postdoctoral Fellowship in Parkinson’s Disease at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, in the lab of Institute Professor and Chemistry Department Chair Matthew Disney, Ph.D.
Disney’s team is developing an RNA-modifying drug candidate engineered to neutralize a genetic cause of Parkinson’s.
“Ed has shared with me that he doesn’t expect to see a cure for Parkinson’s in his lifetime. But he’s investing in Parkinson’s research because he and Jane are hopeful that there will one day be a cure for those who come after him,” Disney said. “Because of their investment, we were able to get a translational grant that is enabling us to make molecules and get them into clinical trials for people that have Parkinson’s.”
The Innovation in Discovery Award went to Len and Norma Klorfine. The Klorfines are true supporters of their local community, providing vital support to area arts, cultural, environmental, and research organizations.
As supporters of the institute since 2013, the Klorfines have boosted both education and research. Their most recent gifts supported work on innovative biomarker discovery methods developed by chemist Thomas Kodadek, Ph.D.
The Klorfines have also recently supported doctoral fellowships, including one based in the lab of professor Baoji Xu, Ph.D. His student, Yuting Chang, is studying the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced obesity.
“I met Len and Norma Klorfine several years ago as a result of their interest in a certain type of blood cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukemia,” Kodadek said. “Over the years they have just continued this remarkable philanthropy, and they are some of the best friends this institute has ever had.”
The Champion of Discovery Award went to the late Jerry Blumberg, who served for six years as the vice president of the BallenIsles Men’s Golf Association and chaired their Prostate Cancer Golf Tournament.
“For 15 years, Jerry gave generously of his time, his passion, and his treasure to advancing the scientific understanding of prostate cancer, with the hope of finding better treatment options,” said Tracy Kerwin, executive director of advancement for The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute.
Scientific Director Griffin recalled playing golf with Blumberg during the BallenIsles tournament.
“I was excited to see their enthusiasm for the research going on at the Wertheim UF Scripps campus, and their enthusiasm for research on prostate cancer,” Griffin said.
Blumberg died just shy of his 93rd birthday on May 25, 2024. Accepting the award on his behalf was his wife, Carole Blumberg.
The Hope in Discovery Award went to Ronnie Potter, who lost her husband, Bill Potter, to glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM, six years ago. Her donation helped create the William Potter Glioblastoma Research Fund at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute. “I thought that the gift would really help in so many ways,” Ronnie Potter said.
“It wouldn’t just be treating one person or one hospital, it would be used forever and help lots of people. I just think anything that can prolong life is worthwhile.”
Neuroscientist Courtney Miller, Ph.D., is leading development of an experimental medication that attacks glioblastoma in new ways, by disabling its ability to grow and travel.
“We’re moving into a relatively new area,” Miller said. “With Ronnie’s gift, we’re able to get that initial, preliminary data to give confidence to reviewers for the NIH that we know exactly what we’re doing and that the money would be well invested in the research that we’re doing, so we can make a big difference in GBM.”
The Partner in Discovery Award went to the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation of West Palm Beach, whose 2023 gift established The Glenn W. Bailey STEM Education and Outreach Programs at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute.
Mr. Glenn Bailey was the founder and former chairman of the Fortune 500 Bairnco Corp. His foundation’s mission is “to foster pathways to success in globally competitive STEM careers for students in the United States.”
The Bailey Foundation’s grant to The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute provides fellowships to doctoral students, and underwrites science education experiences for students, educators, and youth groups in Palm Beach and Martin counties.
The cornerstone is an intensive eight-week summer research internship available to rising juniors and seniors in high school. Thanks to another longtime philanthropic partnership, these summer interns are known as Kenan Fellows.
“Students in the program don’t just learn, they actively contribute to science – transforming their summer into a life-changing experience,” said Professor Miller, the institute’s director of academic affairs.