Longtime Benefactor Priscilla Knapp Teich Establishes Stony Brook Medicine Research Endowment

Priscilla Knapp Teich, a friend and longtime benefactor of Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine, has established an endowed fund to support research at the medical school.

The Stony Brook Medicine Endowed Research Fund will be used to provide support and further excellence within the Renaissance School of Medicine. Knapp Teich said she continues to be impressed with the research being done at Stony Brook and hopes this new fund will help to augment research funding from other sources and accelerate discoveries in various research areas.

“Stony Brook has been part of my life for many years, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and brilliance of its researchers. I’ve long admired their commitment to advancing knowledge and improving lives,” said Knapp Teich. “I’m honored to help strengthen its research enterprise for the benefit of future generations. My hope is that this support will accelerate discoveries that will transform lives for our community, as well as patients and families around the world.”

The fund will allow investigators to pursue high-impact research that will address both local and global health challenges. It will be amplified by both the New York State Endowment Match Program and the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge, which has the potential to triple the impact on Stony Brook.

“We are deeply grateful to Priscilla and the Knapp family for their philanthropic support over the past 30 years,” said Executive Vice President of Stony Brook Medicine William Wertheim. “This most recent gift will not only leave a lasting legacy on Stony Brook Medicine, it empowers us to pursue breakthroughs that will change lives and reshape the future of healthcare.”

For 30 years, Knapp Teich and her family have supported programs within the Renaissance School of Medicine and helped build Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, as well as the planned pediatric emergency department expansion. 

Through the Knapp Swezey Foundation, which she runs with her family, Knapp Teich helped establish several endowed positions, including the Knapp Swezey endowed chair in pediatric surgery, currently held by Kenneth Gow, MD, and the Knapp endowed dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine, currently held by Peter Igarashi, MD.

In addition to their philanthropy, three generations of Knapp family members also contribute their time to Stony Brook by serving on the Stony Brook Foundation Board, the Stony Brook Medicine Advisory Board, the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Advancement Council, the Women’s Leadership Council and the Alumni Association.

For more information on the match opportunities, visit stonybrook.edu/endowments. If you have an interest in or questions about giving back or establishing or contributing to an endowment, please contact Associate Vice President of Medicine Advancement Danielle Holton.

-Christine McGrath