Case Western Reserve University has announced a $1.5 million grant to its School of Medicine and University Hospitals from the Robert S. and Sylvia K. Reitman Family Foundation to endow a chair in cardiovascular medicine.

The grant, which will be distributed equally to the two institutions, will establish the Robert S. and Sylvia K. Reitman Family Foundation Distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular Innovation at Case Western's Cardiovascular Center and University Hospitals' Harrington-McLaughlin Heart and Vascular Institute. The chair will be held by a preeminent physician-scientist dedicated to advancing cardiovascular medicine through compassionate patient care, clinical research, and the training of fellows and residents.

The former CEO of the Tranzonic Companies, a cleaning supplies manufacturer, Robert Reitman serves on the board of the University Hospitals Case Medical Center. Both he and his wife are alumni of Case Western.

"The Reitmans' generosity reflects not only their understanding of the importance of collaborative, translational research in advancing medical breakthroughs," said Case Western president Barbara R. Snyder, "but also an awareness of the critical role of institutional partnerships to enhancing care and encouraging economic growth for the benefit of all."