Dedication & Symposium Herald Bright Future

The Iris and Michael Smith Clinics and Laboratories were packed. Dignitaries, including Colorado’s Governor, Senators Ken Salazar and Tom Harkin, and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, filled the stage, while more than 400 friends, donors, patients, faculty and staff filled the lobby and leaned over railings on floors above. The dedication on May 18 of National Jewish’s newest building, six floors of state-of-the-art research and clinical space, capped a celebration of accomplishment and promise at National Jewish.

Earlier in the day, several generous donors, who gave to the Road Ahead Campaign in support of the building, were honored with private dedication ceremonies. A scientific symposium, featuring nationally recognized experts from government, industry and National Jewish, explored the future of medicine in talks on genomics, biotechnology, vaccines, personalized medicine and healthcare.

At the dedication, Mayor Hickenlooper called National Jewish “one of the crown jewels” of Denver. Iris Smith, who with her husband, Michael, donated the lead gift of $5 million, spoke of an even wider appeal. “This beautiful new facility will bring people to Denver from around the world,” Iris said. She then cut the ribbon and officially opened the Iris and Michael Smith Clinics and Laboratories.

Iris and Michael Smith - Longtime and Generous Supporters of National Jewish

We are so pleased to count Iris and Michael Smith among our National Jewish family of donors. The Smiths’ connection to National Jewish Medical and Research Center has spanned more than a decade. Michael, who suffered a life-threatening asthma attack when he was a student at Colorado State University, and Iris, who has a strong philanthropic commitment to charities in Colorado, began donating to National Jewish in 1991. Michael became a member of the Board of Directors in 1997 and served until 2003, when the Smith family moved to Miami, Florida. Michael remains involved as a National Trustee.

Though they have been donors since 1991, the Smiths gave their largest gift to National Jewish in 2005 when they pledged $5 million toward the Iris and Michael Smith Clinics and Laboratories building. We were thrilled to be able to celebrate the opening of the new building in May 2007 with three days of celebrations and to honor our longtime supporters.