Northwestern University has announced a $480 million gift from the family of Patrick G. ('59, '09 H) and Shirley W. Ryan ('61, '19 H, '97P, '00 P) in support of research, educational initiatives, and athletics.

The largest single gift in the university's history will support several areas of the Feinberg School of Medicine, including the Ryan Family Digital Health Fund, which will be focused on digital medicine technologies to improve human health; a new neuroscience institute; and the Ryan Family Catalyst Fund, which will facilitate medical research with the potential to make an important impact on human disease. The gift also will endow the Institute for Global Health, which will be renamed in honor of Robert J. Havey ('80 MD, '83 GME, '84 GME, '08P, '13 P), the institute's deputy director and clinical professor of general internal medicine and geriatrics, and establish the Ryan Family Center for Global Primary Care within the institute.

In addition, the gift will endow a Center for Applied Microeconomics as well as provide major support for the Kellogg School of Management. The gift also provides the lead gift for the redevelopment of Ryan Field, a multiyear construction project to make the stadium accessible and enhance the game-day experience for students, alumni, fans, and the surrounding community.

Even before this latest commitment, the Ryan family already was the largest benefactor in Northwestern history, with gifts benefiting scientific research, faculty, academic programs, student access and success, performing arts, athletics, and other areas.

"Advancing scientific discovery, especially in human health, has been a longstanding priority for our family," said Shirley Ryan. "Northwestern's world-class scientists and innovative and interdisciplinary approach to research have tremendous potential to advance treatments and tools that can improve the lives of people in the U.S. and globally."

"I am immensely grateful to Pat and Shirley Ryan and their family for their extraordinary generosity and leadership over many years, which has propelled Northwestern to new heights as a leading research university," said Northwestern University president Morton Schapiro. "The Ryan family's new gift will have a profound and lasting impact on faculty and student opportunities, including research and discovery. Additionally, our student-athletes, coaches, fans and the community will benefit from their support of Northwestern Athletics and Recreation for many years to come."