PRICE CENTER / BLOCK PAVILION

Hundreds from the Einstein community attended Price Center/Block Research Pavilion dedication ceremony

A giant tent was filled to capacity on Thursday afternoon, June 12th, with additional chairs set up to address the overflow of those attending the official dedication ceremony marking the opening of the Michael F. Price Center for Genetic and Translational Medicine/Harold and Muriel Block Research Pavilion. On a beautiful, sunny day, nearly 1,000 took part in the festivities, which included tours of the new research facility.

Michael F. Price and
Muriel BlockAllen M. Spiegel, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean of Einstein, recalled his first days at the medical school two years ago, when he temporarily lived in student housing and prepared to cross Morris Park Avenue on his first morning at Einstein. "As I waited to cross the street, I was struck by three things: the risk to life and limb in crossing this very street, which needed to be a bridge between the older South and newer North sides of campus rather than a barrier; the Forchheimer building, where I had first worked in a laboratory as a 16-year-old high school junior, in 1962, when the building could aptly be described as a trim, modern ten-story structure; and the rising superstructure of the Price Center/Block Research Pavilion, offering a glimpse of a brighter future."

The Dean then discussed the various changes that have taken place as the new research facility was completed. "The redesign of Morris Park Avenue (MPA) in its just completed first phase already makes it much safer to cross the street, and for that we are grateful to Bronx Borough Commissioner Connie Moran of the NYC Department of Transportation," he noted. "When the next phase of MPA redesign is completed, the streetscape will also be beautified as part of a more general campus master plan which seeks to enhance the environment in which our students are trained, our faculty teach and our scientists perform research."

Allen M. Spiegel, M.D., being interviewedDr. Spiegel also applauded those who had the vision to make the new Center a reality, including Michael F. Price, Muriel Block, and many other donors "without whose generosity and vision none of this would have been possible,” as well as dean emeritus Dominick P. Purpura, M.D., "who had the vision to see the need for such a building"; leaders of the Einstein Board, including emeritus chairs Burt Resnick, Bob Belfer, and Ira Millstein, "who showed the leadership to secure the land and resources for such a building"; Samuel Weinberg, chair of the Board’s building committee, "who worked tirelessly with Sheldon Socol to see the building through to successful completion"; as well as architect Tom Payette, and the builders at Tishman Construction.

In concluding his comments, Dr. Spiegel said, "Einstein’s mission extends from the discovery of new knowledge all the way to cost-effective application of that knowledge in our Bronx community, in New York City, the U.S. and indeed, the world. So the work done in the Price Center/Block Research Pavilion will truly be translational, as our scientists partner with clinicians in our affiliated hospitals—in particular, the Montefiore Medical Center."

"In the final analysis, moving from ignorance to knowledge, from an inability to treat and prevent disease effectively to a better understanding that enables us to alleviate suffering and preserve health is the most important change of all," said Dr. Spiegel. "Even as Einstein undergoes change in this new era, we will be sure to retain the values for which Einstein has always been known: the dedication of its teachers and students, the spirit of collaboration of its faculty, and the humanism without which scientific advances are merely cold and technical achievements. I believe it is those values that make us unique, and worthy of all of our support."

As part of the celebration Richard M. Joel, president of Yeshiva University, also noted the great vision that went into creating the Price Center/Block Research Pavilion. Referencing a story about Walt Disney and his vision for creating Disney World,
YU President Richard M. Joel speaking with guestsMr. Joel said, "Michael Price saw it. That’s why it’s here. Muriel Block saw it. That’s why it’s here. Dominick Purpura saw it. That’s why it’s here. You dream dreams and make them happen. And in building this Center, we’re aspiring to the greatest nobility in humanity – investing in humanity."

Michael F. Price, whose $25-million gift was instrumental in establishing the Center, looked upon the building bearing his name and said, "The reason I’m here is because until the age of 11 or 12, I wanted to be a doctor. Then I discovered the stock market. I’ve had a wonderful career and when a client, Michael Hirsch, suggested talking to Dom, I came away thinking about the absolutely fantastic science here… The building is the hardware and the people are the software. It will be fun to staff the Center over the next five years. I’m delighted to be here."

In addition, a number of elected officials offered their congratulations to Einstein, including Jeff Spitz, speaking on behalf of Governor David Paterson who was unable to attend; and City Councilman Jimmy Vacca. Mr. Spitz noted, "The completion reminds us of what can happen when we give of ourselves,” while Mr. Vacca effused, “Here in the Bronx, we’ll find miracles."

The event was concluded by a ceremonial ribbon cutting and celebratory dinner. To view the photo gallery of the event, please see below.

Dr. Spiegel's Interview with WCBS audio 1| audio 2

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Photo gallery