The University of Miami (UMiami) has announced a $50 million gift from Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin in support of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The gift to the center, part of the University of Miami Health System and the Miller School of Medicine and the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in south Florida, will help fund the construction of a 12-story, 244,000-square-foot facility, which is set to open in 2025. Named in recognition of the gift, the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building will double the center’s research footprint, accelerating efforts to develop new therapies, enhancing care for patients, and expanding access to clinical trials.

“This landmark gift advances our sophisticated and comprehensive cancer research efforts. With bench scientists and clinicians co-localized, we can deliver on the promise of precision medicine and enable even more families in the region to benefit from novel life-saving treatments,” said Sylvester Center director Stephen D. Nimer, who is also Miller School executive dean for research. “This building demonstrates Sylvester’s commitment to our community and its dedication to reducing the burden of cancer in our nation.”

“There is no doubt that Sylvester will continue to be at the forefront of science and care and at the forefront of saving people’s lives,” said Griffin. “With this team, we are leading the way to being one day closer to achieving our shared goal of ending the threat of cancer in our lifetime.”

(Photo credit: Wikimedia/Paul Elledge)