Dear Members of the UCSF Community,

I am pleased to announce that UCSF has renamed Campus Way on UCSF’s Mission Bay campus “The Feeney Way” in honor of Chuck Feeney, who had an extraordinary impact not only at UCSF but also on the practice of philanthropic giving worldwide. Mr. Feeney passed away on October 9 at the age of 92.

For more than two decades, Mr. Feeney was a visionary champion of UCSF’s Mission Bay campus. He saw the potential in the neighborhood’s vacant lots and empty railyards that preceded Mission Bay and became the catalyst, convincing others to join him in transforming urban blight into a thriving center of next-generation science. As one of UCSF’s most generous donors, he donated land and funds to support the construction of UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay and other buildings on the campus, created the Global Brain Health Institute, and provided funding for student scholarships and faculty recruitment. Mr. Feeney received the UCSF Medal in 2012 and the UC Presidential Medal in 2015.

Through his foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, Mr. Feeney gave away his entire fortune. A deeply humble man, he firmly believed in focusing on the impact of his gifts instead of recognition for himself, which is why his unparalleled $8 billion philanthropic legacy remained anonymous for 15 years until the company he founded was sold.

Mr. Feeney’s influence extends beyond his personal philanthropy to inspiring others through his “Giving While Living” movement. The “Feeney way” of giving encourages people to devote their good fortune in life to benefiting others and, if they’re wealthy, to use the money to tackle urgent problems today. Through his influence on other philanthropists, who signed the Giving Pledge, as well as direct contributions, his impact on philanthropy is unequalled.

I invite you to read more about Mr. Feeney’s inspiring story.

During the next year, street signs, pavement markers, pole banners, and a monument will reflect this new name.

I am honored to celebrate Mr. Feeney and his unparalleled humanitarian spirit.

Sincerely,

Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Chancellor
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor