Davitts Donated $10 Million to University of Rochester
The gift will fund a pediatric emergency department expansion and a new integrated care center in Rochester.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Should private donations be encouraged to help local hospitals manage rising patient volume?
Mark and Maureen Davitt have donated $10 million to University of Rochester Medicine. The funding will support a new pediatric emergency department at Strong Memorial Hospital and an integrated care center at Golisano Children's Hospital.
Why it matters
Strong Memorial Hospital currently handles over 110,000 emergency visits annually, far exceeding the 66,000 capacity for which it was originally designed. This donation aims to alleviate critical overcrowding by expanding capacity and creating specialized pediatric care areas.
The $10 million gift includes $9 million for a pediatric emergency department and $1 million for the Davitt Family Integrated Care Center. The broader hospital expansion is designed to accommodate a total capacity of more than 950 beds.
The players
Mark and Maureen Davitt
They are philanthropists from Fairport, New York, who have a history of supporting medical services in the Rochester area.
University of Rochester Medicine
This is a comprehensive medical institution in Rochester that operates both Strong Memorial Hospital and Golisano Children's Hospital.
The details
The expansion at Strong Memorial Hospital will add 650,000 square feet of space to the facility, which serves as the Finger Lakes region's only level 1 trauma center. Golisano Children's Hospital will also utilize the donation to enhance its ability to serve its annual population of over 85,000 children.
Timeline
The couple donated $2 million to Golisano Children's Hospital in 2018.
The donors contributed $2.5 million for psychiatry programs in 2022.
The $10 million donation was officially announced on October 13, 2026.
The first phase of the hospital expansion is expected to open in late 2027.
Market Landscape
This contribution follows a trend of private donors underwriting large-scale hospital infrastructure projects in the Rochester region. It positions the university to manage its patient load more effectively against rival regional facilities.
Residents in Rochester will see expanded emergency service capacity at Strong Memorial Hospital within the coming years. These improvements are intended to reduce wait times for the 110,000 patients who visit the emergency department annually.
The takeaway
Large-scale philanthropic investments provide essential capital for public health infrastructure when patient demand outpaces original design capacity. Local residents can anticipate improved access to emergency care as these expansion projects reach completion.
What happens next
Construction on the Davitt Family Integrated Care Center will commence once the University of Rochester successfully secures an additional $2.5 million in funding.
Further reading
For more information on community giving, visit the Philanthropy section.
Live Poll
Should private donations be encouraged to help local hospitals manage rising patient volume?
