Tachi and Leslie Yamada’s initial $10 million donation five years ago was pivotal in launching the University of Michigan’s Center for Global Health Equity. Earlier this year, the Yamada family contributed another $10 million, partially funding the center’s directorship named in their honor. This prestigious position is held by Joseph C. Kolars, the center’s founding director since 2021, and will be carried forward by his successors.
The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved naming the directorship as the Leslie D. Yamada and Tachi Yamada M.D. Director of the Center for Global Health Equity. Provost Laurie McCauley emphasized the significance of this role, stating it strengthens their dedication to global health solutions and interdisciplinary engagement. The Yamada family’s contributions have been hailed as monumental for addressing global health disparities.
Marshall Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine, highlighted the donation’s potential to enhance health systems and communities worldwide. The center aims to foster equitable and sustainable health practices, driven by a vision where individuals achieve optimal health, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers. The Yamada family’s support resonates with the center’s mission to prevent disease and improve health outcomes globally.
The Yamadas’ involvement with U-M began in 1983 when Tachi Yamada joined the Medical School. His legacy includes leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry and work in global health with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Leslie Yamada continues to impact community-driven change through her advocacy and philanthropy. Akbar Waljee, assistant dean for global health research, noted the directorship as honoring the Yamadas’ visionary contributions and focus on low-resource settings.
Under this directorship, the center is set to accelerate its mission, leveraging academic excellence and global partnerships. Matthew Boulton, senior associate dean for global public health, emphasized that the role empowers new collaborations with global partners, enhancing interdisciplinary initiatives for tangible global health impacts.
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