A rendering of the Caroline Kimmel Biomedical Research Building.

PHILADELPHIA—Thomas Jefferson University reports it has received a $70-million gift from philanthropists Sidney and Caroline Kimmel that will facilitate the construction of a new biomedical research building on the campus here.

"This gift will have a profound and lasting impact on Jefferson's ability to further pursue scientific discovery," said Mark Tykocinski MD, provost and EVP for academic affairs and the Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma dean, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. "The Caroline Kimmel Biomedical Research Building will serve as a magnet for scientific talent and will bolster our status as an R2 National Research University."

The new facility will expand Thomas Jefferson University's research capacity and, along with the Bluemle Life Sciences Building and Jefferson Alumni Hall, will create a "research corridor" along Locust Street.

Being physically connected with Bluemle will foster connections with researchers in the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, where Caroline Kimmel serves as a member of the Advisory Council, and the larger Jefferson research community.

The Kimmels have given more than $200 million over the years including: providing cornerstone funding to establish the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in 1995, as well as transformational support for research into the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and Jefferson's largest-ever gift of $110 million to name the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in 2014.

Sidney Kimmel established apparel company Jones New York, and during the 1970s and 1980s became one of the major players in the women's apparel industry. Jones went public in 1991, adding many notable brands to its line including Anne Klein, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt and Stuart Weitzman. Kimmel served as CEO until 2003 and as chairman until 2014, when The Jones Group was sold for $2.2 billion.

Thomas Jefferson University is also home of the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, and delivers 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 8,400 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion and textiles, health, science andn social science.

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$70M Gift Will Lead to New Biomedical Research Facility at Thomas Jefferson University

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