Spring 2025
By Lucy McDonald
Photography by John Deputy, David Shopper
Dana-Farber has established the Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, Chair, an endowed position honoring the Institute’s seventh President and CEO, who stepped down October 1, 2024. This endowment celebrates Glimcher’s significant contributions to cancer science and medicine and ensures the pursuit of innovative and groundbreaking advancements in cancer research. A generous group of Trustees, colleagues, friends, and supporters contributed over $3 million to establish the chair and commemorate Glimcher’s legacy.
Glimcher, a renowned immunologist, led Dana-Farber from 2016 to 2024. Her tenure was marked by a commitment to integrating scientific discovery with clinical application, and to the philanthropic funding of these efforts through The Dana-Farber Campaign.
“Dr. Glimcher’s unwavering commitment to innovation has been a driving force behind Dana-Farber’s advancements in cancer research and patient care,” said President and CEO Emeritus Edward J. Benz Jr., MD. “Her leadership has inspired groundbreaking discoveries while fostering the culture of compassion and collaboration that is Dana-Farber’s ‘special sauce.’”
Ramesh Shivdasani, MD, PhD, a pioneering cancer biologist, is the inaugural incumbent of the Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, Chair at Dana-Farber. Such endowed positions enable the Institute to attract and retain top experts, and enable those experts to pursue high-risk, high-reward projects, by offering perpetual funding.
“Establishing an endowed chair in honor of Laurie Glimcher is a fitting tribute to her remarkable leadership and enduring contributions as President and CEO,” said President Emeritus David G. Nathan, MD. “This endowed chair ensures that her visionary spirit continues to guide and inspire future generations of researchers and clinicians, empowering them to push the boundaries of what is possible in the fight against cancer.”
Institute Trustee Alison Poorvu Jaffe and her husband, Daniel Jaffe, remarked on Glimcher’s impact: “She has been a steadfast advocate for prioritizing patient care and ensuring that Dana-Farber is accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of all populations. Her leadership and commitment have been instrumental in addressing disparities in cancer care by ensuring that all patients, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality treatment and support.”
Institute Trustee Jonathan Lavine and his wife, Jeannie Lavine, said, “We are deeply appreciative of Laurie Glimcher’s unwavering commitment to advancing preventative cancer methods. Her commitment to early detection and prevention has been instrumental in shaping innovative strategies that aim to reduce cancer risk and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Glimcher’s visionary leadership has not only strengthened Dana-Farber’s research capabilities but also underscored the importance of proactive approaches in the fight against cancer.”
Josh Bekenstein, chairman of the Board of Trustees, summed up the Institute’s gratitude this way: “Dr. Glimcher’s tenure as President and CEO has been nothing short of transformative. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have propelled Dana-Farber to new heights. Her ability to inspire and lead with integrity has left an indelible mark on the Institute, setting a standard of excellence that will guide us for years to come. We are profoundly grateful for her contributions and look forward to building on the strong foundation she has established.” The establishment of this endowed chair marks a pivotal moment in Dana-Farber’s history, honoring Glimcher’s enduring influence and highlighting the vital role of philanthropy in advancing medical science. With this new endowment, and under the leadership of her successor as President and CEO, Benjamin L. Ebert, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber is poised to continue its mission of conquering cancer and improving the lives of patients worldwide.