This week’s issue highlights milestone moments in philanthropy and innovation. The University of Michigan and the University of Nebraska both posted record-breaking fundraising years, Kathy Coleman advanced cancer research at UH Seidman with a $3.5M gift, and Stevenson Memorial Hospital launched a $1M matching challenge. On the innovation front, Oracle Health rolled out new AI tools to cut administrative burden, while AlterEgo unveiled a breakthrough silent speech interface.
University of Nebraska Raises Record $416.6M in Philanthropic Support
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln received a record-setting $416.6 million in private support during FY 2025, surpassing $400M for the first time. With 60,602 donors contributing, the funds will support scholarships, faculty recruitment, research, and capital projects across all NU campuses. Read more here.
Kathy Coleman Gives $3.5M to Expand Clinical Trials at UH Seidman Cancer Center
Philanthropist Kathy Coleman has committed $3.5 million to support renovations and expansion of the Kathy and Les Coleman Clinical Trials Center at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. The gift will significantly increase the Center’s size and capacity, centralize care, and advance diagnostic-based research. Read more here.
University of Michigan Raises $886M in FY 2025, Second-Highest Year Ever
Philanthropic giving to the University of Michigan hit $886 million in FY 2025, marking a 13% increase from the previous year and the university’s second-highest total ever. Major contributions supported cancer care, pediatric expansion, mental health research, and first-generation student access. Read more here.
$1M Matching Gift Announced for Stevenson Memorial Hospital Redevelopment
Long-time supporters Brian and Kathy Gibson have launched a $1 million matching initiative, “Building Your Stevenson for Tomorrow, Together,” to support the redevelopment of Stevenson Memorial Hospital. Every new dollar raised will be matched to fund essential equipment, technology upgrades, and a vastly expanded emergency department designed to meet the growing community’s needs. Read more here.
Oracle Health Introduces AI Suite to Reduce Healthcare Admin Burden, Boost Value-Based Care
Oracle Health announced a major push to streamline payer-provider collaboration through a new suite of AI-powered applications targeting administrative bottlenecks in healthcare. These solutions will focus on simplifying processes like prior authorizations, claims processing, medical coding, and eligibility verification – all areas currently plagued by high administrative costs and inefficiencies. Read more here.
Silent Speech Interface: AlterEgo Unveils AI Assistant You Control Without Speaking
Boston-based startup AlterEgo has introduced a groundbreaking wearable that lets users interact with AI systems by silently mouthing, or merely thinking about, words. Unlike brain implants or EEG systems, AlterEgo reads neuromuscular signals without accessing brain data, offering a discreet, noninvasive solution for those with speech impairments or in noisy environments. Read more here.
