USC School of Pharmacy Dean R. Pete Vanderveen hosted a reception Nov. 21 to honor Jane and Gale Bensussen for the leadership and support that made it possible for the school to renovate facilities and purchase new equipment on the research floor named in their honor.

“Jane and Gale Bensussen have provided our school with the kind of insightful and consistent support that substantively propels schools toward reaching goals,” Vanderveen said. “I thank them for their dedication to the work of our scientists.”

For more than 15 years, the Bensussens have been strong supporters of the school’s research work, particularly in the areas of cardiovascular health and neurodegeneration. In recent years, the Bensussens have further supported the school’s work in translational research with a focus on the development and discovery of new therapeutic agents.

While the celebration acknowledged the Bensussen gift of more than $1.7 million, the school also recognized the leadership they have provided.

Gale Bensussen is a member of the school’s board of councilors and previously served as the group’s chairman. A past president of the USC Alumni Association, he is currently a USC trustee. Jane Bensussen is a member of the USC Davis School of Gerontology board of Councilors. Both are USC alumni.

Elizabeth Garrett, USC vice president for academic planning and budget, spoke at the reception, noting the contributions the Bensussens have made to the university. She also congratulated Vanderveen for the many awards and grants that have distinguished the school’s work.

Following the ribbon cutting, guests toured the Jane and Gale Bensussen Research Floor on the fifth floor of the John Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center. The new equipment allows researchers to exponentially increase the number of experiments in a given timeframe.