$12 million gift to university from Jack Yongfeng Zhang and Mary Zi-Ping Luo
The C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics (YITP) at Stony Brook University has received a historic $12 million endowment from alumnus Jack Yongfeng Zhang, PhD ’87, and his wife, Mary Zi-Ping Luo, PhD.
Their extraordinary commitment is a milestone for the Institute and the university, strengthening the world-renowned center that continues to shape the future of theoretical physics.
The Drs. Jack Zhang and Mary Luo Endowed Fund for the C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics also honors the lasting legacy of Nobel laureate Chen-Ning (C.N) Yang, whose vision and leadership more than half a century ago elevated Stony Brook to global prominence in the sciences. Coming just months after Yang’s passing, the gift stands as a powerful tribute to his transformative influence and secures the future of the institute that bears his name.
The couple’s $12 million gift will earn a 50 percent match through the New York State Endowment Match program, creating an $18 million permanent fund for YITP. It will also be matched again through the Simons Infinity Investment and the state’s Endowment Match program, generating an equal amount in unrestricted funds for Stony Brook—ultimately producing a $36 million impact across the university.
Together, these gifts will support Stony Brook’s research, recruitment, and innovation, reinforcing our mission to drive discovery, expand opportunity, and push the boundaries of knowledge.
“Jack and Mary’s investment in Stony Brook ensures that the next generation of visionaries and researchers can thrive,” said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith, speaking at the March 12 symposium honoring Professor Yang, C.N. Yang and His Impact on Stony Brook. Their extraordinary generosity reflects a deep commitment to Professor Yang’s legacy and strengthens the future of our university. We are honored to celebrate this enduring gift and excited for the groundbreaking discoveries it will make possible.”
Jack Zhang’s journey to Stony Brook began through the encouragement and sponsorship of Professor Yang, who recommended him for doctoral study in chemistry. Zhang later met his wife, Mary Luo, while both were postdoctoral fellows at the California Institute of Technology. In 1996, the pair co-founded Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, where Zhang serves as CEO, president, and chief scientific officer, and Luo as COO and chief scientist. Under their leadership, Amphastar has become a leading developer of injectable, intranasal, and inhalation biopharmaceutical products.
“For Mary and me, this gift is about giving back to the institution that gave me the foundation for everything we’ve been able to accomplish and supporting the next generation of scholars,” said Zhang. “In doing so, we also honor Professor Yang, whose vision made Stony Brook a place where bold ideas could thrive.”
C.N. Yang, who received the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics, joined Stony Brook in 1966 and founded what is now the C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics.
His collaboration with then-University President John Toll helped define Stony Brook’s identity as a premier public research university. Yang’s groundbreaking work—including the Yang–Mills theory developed with Robert Mills—transformed modern physics and geometry, laying the groundwork for understanding particle interactions at the most fundamental level.
Yang, who passed away in October 2025, led the institute until 1999. YITP today counts 12 faculty members, 30 graduate students, and 7 postdoctoral fellows, maintaining close collaborations with the Departments of Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy and the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics. The Institute is now directed by George Sterman, one of Yang’s former protégés and a pioneer in quantum chromodynamics.
“Jack and Mary’s gift gives the Yang Institute the strength to expand its leadership in theoretical physics,” said Sterman. “With enhanced support for faculty, students, and pioneering research, the Institute can accelerate discoveries and pursue bold new directions in fundamental science.”
Since its founding, YITP has been a magnet for talent and funding, supported for decades by the Simons Foundation, whose co-founder Jim Simons shared with Yang a friendship and intellectual partnership bridging physics and mathematics. Their collaboration helped spark new connections between geometry and particle theory that continue to influence modern science.
The new endowed fund established by Zhang and Luo will help secure YITP’s position at the forefront of global discovery. Flexible resources will support graduate fellowships, faculty initiatives, and emerging areas of inquiry, helping the Institute stay agile in a rapidly evolving field.
In recognition of their generosity, the soon-to-be-renovated plaza between Stony Brook’s Mathematics and Physics buildings will be renamed the Drs. Zhang and Luo Courtyard—a lasting symbol of their bond with the university and of their tribute to Professor Yang’s enduring influence.
“Jack and Mary’s historic gift to endow the Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics secures vital resources for generations of students and faculty to pursue world-class research,” said Scott Barrett, interim vice president for advancement. “Their generosity strengthens Stony Brook’s future and honors Professor Yang’s remarkable legacy.”