Kenneth C. Griffin’s Transformational Gift
Business leader and philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin’s $50 million donation will accelerate Sylvester’s cancer research in a building that will bear his name
By Robert C. Jones Jr.
Photography by CLUTCH Content Partners
Architectural rendering by Christopher Patterson
F
rom diagnosis and treatment to remission and recovery, the race to cure cancer has been a marathon, not a sprint — one filled with successes and setbacks, challenges and achievements.
Now, a landmark donation from a billionaire philanthropist to the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida promises to quicken the pace in the race to defeat the disease.
Kenneth C. Griffin’s $50 million naming gift to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to fund the Transformational Cancer Research Building will allow the new 12-story, 244,000-square-foot facility on the medical campus to double its research footprint, accelerate efforts to develop new therapies, enhance care for patients and expand access to clinical trials.
In recognition of the gift, which is part of the University’s $2.5 billion Ever Brighter fundraising campaign, the facility will be named the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building.
“Transformative” and “catalytic” are the words Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester, Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the Miller School, used to describe the gift.
“This gift is trajectory changing,” Dr. Nimer said. “Ken Griffin has an incredible history of high-impact and effective giving. This naming will show the world that we are a luminary institution, worthy of incredible investment. It will help in our mission immensely and will also help us raise even more funds for important, lifesaving cancer research. Sylvester’s outstanding researchers and clinicians are devoted to finding cures for cancer, and we have already made important strides. Powered by Ken’s generosity and belief in us, our future is bright.”
Griffin is the founder and CEO of the multinational, Miami-based hedge fund firm Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst. One of the country’s leading philanthropists, Griffin has long been committed to pushing the frontiers of science and medicine to drive progress and improve lives. His $50 million gift comes as Sylvester renews its NCI designation, which it achieved in 2019, becoming one of 72 cancer centers nationwide to hold the distinction.
“Sylvester’s team of physicians, scientists and health care professionals plays a leading role in our community’s efforts to defeat cancer,” Griffin said. “I am honored to support the transformational work of these incredible individuals in discovering, developing and delivering lifesaving treatments to those affected by this disease in South Florida and beyond.”
For Griffin Cancer Research Building giving opportunities, click here. 
