$75 million investment in hospital’s new research and education center led by $25 million naming gift from Kolschowsky family
Sarasota Memorial Hospital officially unveiled the $75 million Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute, a transformative new facility made possible through a $25 million leadership gift from local philanthropists Jerry and Karen Kolschowsky.
Their donation — the largest single contribution to the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation for this project — served as the catalyst for the five-story, 82,000-square-foot center, which hospital officials say will drive a new era of medical innovation, education, and clinical research.
“You don’t always understand how important clinical research and advanced therapies are until they save your life, or the life of someone you love,” said Tim Kolschowsky, president of the Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation.
His mother’s successful treatment for late-stage ovarian cancer at Sarasota Memorial inspired the family’s deep commitment to advancing healthcare excellence in the region.
In addition to the Kolschowskys’ $25 million cornerstone gift, hospital officials noted that the project attracted additional philanthropic support, underscoring the vital role of community giving in expanding Sarasota Memorial’s capabilities.
“This new hub for innovation, education, and medical research would not have been possible without the Kolschowskys’ vision and generosity,” said Stacey Corley, president of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.
“Their leadership gift inspired many others to join them, demonstrating the profound impact of philanthropy on the future of healthcare.”
The new institute, located at 1880 Arlington St., includes state-of-the-art medical simulation labs, a 400-seat auditorium for conferences and research events, and immersive learning environments for physicians, researchers, and clinical educators.
In partnership with Florida State University, it will also support Sarasota Memorial’s growing graduate medical education programs.
With more than 140 active research studies underway and thousands of physicians seeking residency and fellowship placements annually, the opening of the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute marks a major milestone for Sarasota Memorial, which treated nearly 2 million patients and posted $1.88 billion in operating revenue in 2024.