Oracle founder broke elbow in 1992; years later he gave $5m for bone disorders
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison donated $5 million to UC Davis for musculoskeletal research and care after an orthopaedic surgeon at the university successfully treated his shattered elbow in 1992. This gift established the Lawrence J. Ellison Musculoskeletal Research Center, significantly boosting the university's private giving and research capabilities.
Why it matters
This highlights how personal experiences of prominent figures can lead to significant philanthropic contributions, driving medical research and improving healthcare infrastructure. It also showcases the impact of private donations on academic institutions and their ability to expand specialized programs.
A serious bicycle accident suffered by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison in the early 1990s ultimately resulted in a $5 million donation that helped expand research into bone and muscle disorders at UC Davis, according to the university. The Oracle co-founder's gift helped build a musculoskeletal research and care program at UC Davis that is still part of the university's orthopaedic identity. Ellison, the co-founder and longtime chief executive of Oracle, shattered his elbow in a bicycle crash in 1992. The injury was treated by Michael Chapman, an orthopaedic surgeon at UC Davis, who successfully reconstructed the damaged joint. Following the surgery, Ellison donated $5 million to support musculoskeletal research and patient care at the university.The gift helped establish what became the Lawrence J. Ellison Musculoskeletal Research Center, where physicians, surgeons and scientists work on research aimed at preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in