Institute for Glial Sciences receives $2M gift for work aiming to advance treatments for complex disorders
James and Susan Ratner endow gift in support of Breakthrough Point Campaign
Glia—which constitute the majority of cells in our brains—play a central role in virtually every disease affecting the nervous system. And the Institute for Glial Sciences (IGS) at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine is focused on unlocking an era of glial medicines.
It is that untapped opportunity that led trustee James Ratner and his wife, Susan (SAS '69), to commit a $2 million endowed estate gift to the IGS.
“We deeply believe in the mission, and know the impact of a great university on a city,” Ratner said. “I’ve seen and understand the impact of a university on its community, and CWRU is Cleveland’s great university. We have every reason to be very proud of it and very hopeful that its next period will be even more important, influential and impactful.”
James and Susan Ratner both have deep ties to the university, James through his role as a trustee, and Susan, whose father was a professor at the School of Medicine and whose mother also taught.
“The Glial Institute is the first of its kind, linking critical and detailed neural cell biology with disease onset and progression, which will rapidly lead to new therapeutics,” said Stan Gerson, MD, dean of the School of Medicine. “The group is exceptionally innovative, bringing teams with multiple competencies to tackle our most complex disorders.”
The Ratners are continuing a long-standing tradition of philanthropy, both at Case Western Reserve and their work through the James and Susan Ratner Family Foundation, which supports many organizations around Cleveland, including University Hospitals, Park Synagogue and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Ratner also served on the cabinet for the Roger E. Susi Interdisciplinary Research Building, a project that finished with $165 million in philanthropic support, including a $50 million gift from Roger and Kayoko Susi.
“Through the years, Jim and Susan have generously supported critical initiatives and strategic projects at Case Western Reserve,” said Case Western Reserve University President and Morton L. Mandel Presidential Chair Eric W. Kaler. “Their endowed gift to the Institute for Glial Sciences will serve as a continuous funding source to advance its research and innovation. We also deeply appreciate that it is among the significant gifts to our Breakthrough Point campaign.”
The ribbon cutting of the Susi Building served as the public launch for Breakthrough Point, Case Western Reserve’s ambitious comprehensive campaign. The Ratners decided to make this gift in support of it.
“This seems like a highly appropriate time to give another gift,” Ratner said. “I think the direction the university is heading is really exciting, and shows great promise for the future. We want to show our support for President Kaler and his leadership.”
Breakthrough Point aims to raise $2.5 billion to support three pillars: advancing health and well-being, powering innovation to impact and preparing the leaders of tomorrow. Ratner, who is also on the campaign cabinet, shared that being a part of a campaign is a unique, immensely rewarding philanthropic experience.
“Previous campaign donors can see the progress, the immense stride it commanded,” he explained. “And for people who have not been involved, it's an incredibly exciting opportunity. You can see the results very clearly. You aren’t talking about a 20 year payback—the impact will be very fast. You will see the changes.”
And while the impact happens quickly, endowed estate gifts also offer planning for both the university and the donor. The Susan and James Ratner Endowment Fund for Glial Sciences provides ongoing, reliable financial support for the institution, and the Ratners know their support will continue forward.
“It’s the opportunity to know you will impact the university, and it means you have the opportunity to plan,” Ratner explained.
