In Memory of John Wood

We recently learned the sad news that longtime friend and Florida Atlantic benefactor John Wood passed away. As we mourn the loss of John in our community, we also celebrate the extraordinary generosity, vision and legacy that he and his beloved wife Ann have left behind.

Last month, the Woods made their fourth gift to Florida Atlantic through the FairfaxWood Scholarship Foundation in the amount of $11.5 million to combat amyloidosis, a life-threatening disease. The transformational gift will drive groundbreaking research for the disease through the new FairfaxWood Health and Innovation Technology Initiative in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Additionally, it established the endowed FairfaxWood Chair of Clinical Neurosciences to spearhead the FAU Amyloidosis Project.

The Woods’ most recent contribution follows a historic $28 million scholarship gift in 2022, which was made in memory of their son, Robert A. Wood, to support opportunities for debt-free medical education at FAU. This gift stands as the largest scholarship gift in University history and marks the largest known scholarship donation to a Florida public university’s medical school. With a vision to cover the tuition of 80 medical students each year, John’s legacy will continue to live on through the many students whose lives are changed by this tremendous generosity.

Beyond his philanthropy, John embodied the values that define our University, and his passion for making a difference inspired all who knew him. His name will serve as a testament to the profound impact that individuals can have when they invest in education and support our future generations.

In this time of difficulty, I extend my deepest condolences to Ann and the Wood family. We offer our unwavering support and sincere wishes for comfort amid this terrible loss. Please know that John’s memory will forever resonate in the hearts of our medical students and throughout the University.