Dr. Cyrus Katzen, a long-time benefactor to the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, passed away Sunday. He was 91.
Katzen is best known for making the largest individual donation to the University this past September ($10 million) to create the Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Cancer Research Center, as well being the principle benefactor to GW’s annual Cancer Gala, which raises thousands of dollars for cancer research.
“The work he supported, through the annual Cancer Gala and, most recently, the creation of the Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Cancer Research Center, has touched the lives of many within the GW family and across the greater Washington region,” University President Steven Knapp said in a statement. “He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on through the healing and discovery that his generosity has made possible.”
Katzen shared his personal fortune with more schools than just GW. In 2005, the Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Arts Center opened at American University due to Katzen’s financial contributions.
Katzen is survived by his wife, Myrtle, his children Linda and Jay, and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
