Firestone Medical
Research Building
A recent leadership gift from Steven N. Firestone MD’69, an alumnus of the Larner College of Medicine, has brought UVM one step closer to having a new, state-of-the-art biomedical research facility. Pending completion of fundraising for the project, Dr. Firestone’s gift—the fourth largest in the history of the College—will help construct a 60,000-square-foot laboratory building on campus that will accommodate over 200 faculty, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and students. The design features cutting-edge modular facilities to improve efficiency and help interdisciplinary teams of researchers collaborate more effectively.
The new building will be named the Dr. Frederick and Mrs. Bobbie Firestone Medical Research Building, in honor of Dr. Firestone’s parents. Dr. Frederick Firestone started his medical training in Vienna, completed his medical internship in the United States, and served in the U.S. Army during the Second World War. Returning to Europe as a battalion surgeon, the senior Dr. Firestone was twice honored for his actions to save the lives of soldiers on the battlefield. After the war, he opened a modest medical practice where his wife, Bobbie, worked alongside him as a nurse, and they served their community for many years. With his gift, Dr. Firestone has also chosen to recognize his peers in the Larner College of Medicine Class of 1969, who celebrated their 50th reunion this year.
Dr. Firestone is a board-certified anesthesiologist currently active as a ski instructor and real estate developer. After graduating from UVM, he continued his medical education in Copenhagen, Denmark and southern California. He has been an annual donor to the college since the 1970s, but this is his first major gift to the University.
Take a listen to Dean Richard Page, MD talk about the exciting new Firestone gift announcement for the Larner College of Medicine!
“Biomedical science and technology change people’s lives for the better. Physicians and scientists at the University of Vermont are key agents of that change, and every day they are making important strides in a wide range of areas. Thanks to Dr. Firestone and his generous support, we are closer than ever to a landmark expansion of our world-class research enterprise.”
Larner College of Medicine Dean Richard Page, MD
Photos by Andy Duback.
“Biomedical science and technology change people’s lives for the better. Physicians and scientists at the University of Vermont are key agents of that change, and every day they are making important strides in a wide range of areas. Thanks to Dr. Firestone and his generous support, we are closer than ever to a landmark expansion of our world-class research enterprise.”
Larner College of Medicine Dean Richard Page, MD
Architect’s rendering of the building’s north and east sides. Renderings by Payette / Black River Design.
“I felt very fortunate to be accepted into medical school at UVM, and I’ve been grateful ever since. Lifesaving treatment modalities will be discovered here over the coming years. This building is going to hugely benefit the College of Medicine, the University, and the city of Burlington.”
Steven Firestone MD’69
“I felt very fortunate to be accepted into medical school at UVM, and I’ve been grateful ever since. Lifesaving treatment modalities will be discovered here over the coming years. This building is going to hugely benefit the College of Medicine, the University, and the city of Burlington.”