Wilmer Eye Institute Centennial Highlights
In January 2025, the Wilmer Eye Institute began a yearlong celebration of its centennial, highlighting 100 years of excellence in ophthalmology education, research and patient care.
Wilmer began its centennial celebration with a Roaring Twenties-themed employee party held at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. This was followed by a flurry of events, including the 83rd Wilmer Residents Association Meeting, a dinner honoring Wilmer’s assistant chiefs of service and a once-in-a-century gala.
Employee Celebration
On April 4, Wilmer employees gathered at Baltimore's M&T Bank Exchange for a much anticipated centennial celebration. The venue had been transformed into a stunning, three-level speakeasy, and employees arrived dressed in their finest Roaring Twenties attire. The crowd enjoyed great food, music, dancing and fun.
ACS Dinner
On June 12, Wilmer alumni, faculty and guests assembled at The Ruxton in Harbor East for the annual dinner honoring Wilmer’s assistant chiefs of service through the years.
WRA Meeting
The 83rd Wilmer Residents Association (WRA) Clinical Research Meeting, held June 13, brought together experts from across the country to learn about the work of the current residents. Alumni Mauro Campos, M.D.; Eugene de Juan, M.D.; Arun Patel, M.D.; and Marco Zarbin, M.D., presented a group panel discussion, and Michael X. Repka, M.D., M.B.A., delivered the Wilmer Memorial Lecture. Later, staff, faculty and guests gathered at The Center Club to celebrate Wilmer’s graduating residents.
The Centennial Gala
On June 14, the institute commemorated its 100th anniversary with a centennial gala at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore. The evening brought together a group of distinguished guests, including emcee and award-winning broadcast journalist Chris Wallace, legendary singer-songwriter Art Garfunkel, U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin and numerous Wilmer alumni who have gone on to become global leaders in ophthalmology.
The celebration featured a series of videos and exhibits that paid tribute to the institute’s rich history and the individuals who have advanced its mission to preserve and protect vision worldwide. “Time and again, the Wilmer Institute has shone as a stellar embodiment of the university’s core values, discovering and sharing with the world the light of truth and knowledge that once lay out of view,” said Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels, J.D., LL.M., in his remarks to the audience.
Centennial Gala Honorary Co-Chairs and Sponsors
We offer our deepest gratitude to our gala sponsors, honorary co-chairs, and all those who contributed to making Wilmer’s centennial gala an unforgettable experience.
Centennial Gala Honorary Co-Chairs
Mr. J.W. Marriott, Jr.
Former Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International
Alfred Sommer, M.D., M.H.S.
Dean Emeritus, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Director Emeritus, the Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute
William E. Conway, Jr.
Member, Wilmer Eye Institute Board of Governors; Chairman Emeritus, Johns Hopkins Medicine Board of Trustees; Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Board, The Carlyle Group
The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin
United States Senator, Maryland (2017-2025)
Tamara Fountain, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmer Residency, '62; Past President, American Academy of Ophthalmology; Professor of Ophthalmology, Rush University Medical Center
Redonda Miller, M.D., M.B.A.
President, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
David E.I. Pyott
Member, Wilmer Eye Institute Board of Governors; Commander, Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; Chairman of the Board, London Business School
Chris Wallace
American Broadcast Journalist
Stephen D. McLeod, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer, American Academy of Ophthalmology; Professor and Chair Emeritus, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco
Sponsors
Visionary
Bill and Norma Kline Tiefel
Luminary
Drs. Mary G. Lynch and Reay H. Brown
Drs. Peter and Jan McDonnell
The Arnall and Ellen Patz Family
Innovator
Mary E. Bartkus
Howard and Elaine Brownstein
Drs. Jonathan and Marcia Javitt
Kenneth, Jo and Daniel Merlau
David E.I. Pyott
Achiever
The Bill and Donna Marriott Foundation
Ted and Ann Reiver
Drs. Niel Starksen and Sandra Tong Starksen
Catalyst
Dr. Morton and Mrs. Myrna Goldberg
Allan and Claire Jensen
Parag and Purvi Parekh
Jeffrey and Harriet Legum
Lesli Rice and Louis Slesin
John J. Cross III and Meredith B. Cross
Howard and Lauren Woolley
Cassandra Hanley and Marc Sumerlin
Shining
Sue and Sandy Greenberg
James V. Mazzo
Dr. V.K. and Mrs. Rani Raju