A ribbon-cutting event on August 7 celebrated the philanthropic gift and state-of-the-art auditorium that will enable new community engagement events at the Institute.
Sanford Burnham Prebys unveiled its newly renovated auditorium in Building 12 during a special Happy Town Hall and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. The improved meeting space was renamed as the Victor E. LaFave III Memorial Auditorium, or “the Vic,” in recognition of the generous support of the LaFave family.
Racheal McCabe, senior director of Philanthropy at Sanford Burnham Prebys, opened the festivities by welcoming members of the LaFave family, board members, faculty, staff and friends of the Institute. She provided details about the auditorium’s namesake, including his service in the U.S. Air Force and appreciation of sports, traveling, music, photography and gardening.
“Most of all, Vic showed a deep love for his beloved wife, Sue, and his family and friends,” said McCabe. “We included a hidden, golden turtle above the auditorium’s entrance as a special tribute to Sue’s love for the animal, and we think Vic would be pleased by that.”
![LaFave family group photo at ribbon cutting ceremony](https://sbpdiscovery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LaFave-Ribbon-Cutting_Aug.7.2024_DSCF8015.webp)
“The tortoise and the turtle are universally seen as symbols of wisdom and knowledge, so it is quite fitting for representing the scientific discovery, education and learning that will take place in the Victor E. LaFave III Memorial Auditorium.”
![David Brenner, MD speaking at podium in Vic Lafav Auditorium](https://sbpdiscovery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DavidBrenner-Vic-Auditorium_IMG_1940.webp)
McCabe introduced David A. Brenner, MD, president and CEO of Sanford Burnham Prebys, who said, “Thank you on behalf of the entire institute. This is going to be a transformational gift for our community engagement strategies and a pivotal place for collaboration and exchanging ideas.”
Brenner and Sue LaFave ceremonially cut a ribbon to formally announce the grand opening of the Vic. Guests entered the new auditorium to learn about the renovations and other updates at the institute.
Brenner discussed plans for the enhanced auditorium to be a prominent space for community engagement through new and ongoing events. The meeting space will help the institute connect with community members, alumni and research collaborators throughout the region and state.
A new community engagement program called “A Conversation About” will launch in the Vic on October 9, 2024. Taking inspiration from the Group of 12 educational discussions and the Insights streaming program, A Conversation About will feature expert panelists from the scientific and medical communities in dynamic discussions about the future of research and health care.
The A Conversation About series will focus on the four disease-focused, broadly collaborative research centers at Sanford Burnham Prebys: Cancer, Neurodegeneration and Aging, Metabolic and Liver, and Cardiovascular and Muscular.
![David Brenner MD speaking at podium to audience in LaFave Auditorium](https://sbpdiscovery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vic-Auditorium_IMG_1931.webp)
By bringing together community collaborators and clinicians with Sanford Burnham Prebys researchers, A Conversation About will offer a unique perspective on how clinical research and practice can be used to inform fundamental and translational science.