Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Recognizes Historic Philanthropic Gift with Naming of New Clinical Sciences Center

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has named its new Clinical Sciences Center in recognition of a gift made by Scott Bieler to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation (RPAF). Opening later this month, the Scott Bieler Clinical Sciences Center will house a number of clinics, services and resources for the nearly 32,000 patients treated at Roswell Park every year.

Candace Johnson, PhD, President and CEO of Roswell Park, announced the gift and building name today to over 200 Roswell Park employees, board members, volunteers and special guests on the top of the Roswell Park parking ramp with the new building serving as a backdrop.

“Scott has been an incredible friend and partner to Roswell Park for many years, and we are humbled and honored that he has made the decision to continue supporting Roswell Park through a generous gift to the Alliance Foundation,” said Dr. Johnson. “For this significant contribution from such a dedicated supporter, we feel it is only appropriate that we recognize Scott’s generosity by naming our new Clinical Sciences Center in his honor.”

Dr. Johnson added that this historic gift is a true representation of Bieler’s commitment to Roswell Park, and to the patients and families who turn to the Institute for hope. “Scott‘s unwavering support of Roswell Park is undeniable, and this gift is representative of his incredible character and generosity – as a friend, as a business leader and as part of the fabric of the Western New York community,” Dr. Johnson said. “He was not only one of the lead donors for the Clinical Sciences Center, he also co-chaired the campaign that turned the concept of this new facility into a reality. He is such an asset to the organization, and the spectrum of support that he continues to give to Roswell Park is immeasurable.”

Bieler wishes to keep the gift amount undisclosed, but RPAF officials shared that this is the first time in the Foundation’s history that a building on the Roswell Park campus has been named in a donor’s honor. This donation, which is earmarked for the Institute’s Priority Endowment Fund, will ensure that stable and flexible funding is available to Roswell Park and allow the organization to be more self-sufficient.

Lee Wortham, Chair of the Alliance Foundation, explained the importance of the Endowment Fund. “At Roswell Park, we’re committed to providing our patients with the best possible treatment and care. Building a strong endowment fund is essential to the Institute’s ability to take advantage of emerging research opportunities as they happen, and to ensure that the most promising ideas have the chance to flourish,” said Wortham.

Bieler, who is a member of the RPAF Board and president of West Herr Automotive Group, shared that it is the important work Roswell Park does for its patients that inspires him to keep giving. “Over the years, I’ve known too many family members, friends, customers and coworkers who have been affected by cancer, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact Roswell Park has made in this community. I want Rowell Park to be strong for years to come and continue the incredible work that takes place here, which is why it was so important to me to contribute to the Institute’s Priority Endowment Fund,” Bieler said. “I’m proud to have my name on this building that will house critical services and offer hope for the many patients and survivors who are struggling – now, and in the future.”

The Scott Bieler Clinical Sciences Center is Roswell Park’s first clinical expansion since 1998 and will include an expanded chemo infusion center; new centers dedicated to cancer survivorship and supportive/palliative care; and the Women’s Health Center, which will incorporate services related to breast cancer, gynecologic cancers and breast imaging.

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About Scott Bieler

A native of Orchard Park, Scott Bieler began his career with West Herr Automotive Group in 1975 as a salesman, became President in 1997, and majority owner in 2000. He has helped grow the company to become the largest automotive group in New York State and the 20th largest auto group in the country, employing 1,900 individuals. Bieler’s community involvement is extensive. He is the Vice Chair of the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Board, and co-chaired the capital campaign to build the new Clinical Sciences Center. He is the Chairman of the Contribution Committee for the Ford Friendship van donation program, and has also served on the boards of the Buffalo Zoo, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and the Daemen College Community Advisory Board. Bieler’s civic efforts have been recognized numerous times; he has been named an Outstanding Citizen by The Buffalo News, and has received the Canisius College Distinguished Citizen Award and Roswell Park’s Katherine Anne Gioia Inspiration Award, among other honors.

About Roswell Park

The mission of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1898, Roswell Park is one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. The Institute is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or email AskRoswell@Roswellpark.org. Follow Roswell Park on Facebook and Twitter.