When Sheldon Kasowitz ’83 (BUS), committed $3 million to help launch the Center for Addiction Science and Innovation (CASI) at UConn, he wasn’t just making a gift — he was igniting a movement. CASI brings together leading minds in neuroscience, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical practice to transform how substance use disorders are understood, prevented, and treated.
For Kasowitz, the motivation is deeply personal and urgent.
“I believe addiction is probably the most underserved health issue in America,” he says. “Until now, the focus has been on behavioral modification and social sciences — particularly 12-step recovery. While those programs help some, surveys show they don’t come close to helping most people who struggle with addiction. This whole area has been lacking in evidence-based, science-driven approaches.”
This sentiment is echoed by CASI Director Greg Sartor: “I envision CASI as a place where researchers come together to pursue innovative and rigorous studies that address the urgent need for new and effective treatments for addiction.”
Sartor, also associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology in the School of Pharmacy, sees the center as a hub for groundbreaking research and collaboration and refers to the center as a community. “We welcome the voices and partnerships of scientists, students, practitioners, and industry leaders who want to help shape the future of addiction medicine,” he says.
That spirit of collaboration is exactly what inspired Sheldon Kasowitz to make his groundbreaking gift.
“I’m very excited to be the catalyst at the University of Connecticut to bring together clinical, pharmacological, neuroscience, and evidence-based research into the topic,” he says.
Kasowitz believes addiction touches nearly every family in America.
“Everyone is only one or two degrees of separation from knowing someone who struggles with clinical addiction. My hope is that this catalytic donation attracts many others to the newly established CASI who are like-minded and want to see more science-based approaches to treating addiction.”
The impact of his gift is profound — transformational for UConn and potentially lifesaving for countless individuals.
“Sheldon’s generosity is more than a gift, it’s a beacon of hope,” says Amy Yancey, President and CEO of the UConn Foundation. “By supporting science-driven solutions for addiction, he’s helping UConn lead the way in addressing one of the most urgent health challenges of our time.”
As part of the University’s largest campaign in history, Because of UConn, donors like Sheldon Kasowitz are fueling a future met with innovation, compassion, and science. You can learn more about the Center for Addiction Science and Innovation on their new website. To join Sheldon and others in their pursuit of science and evidence-based treatments by supporting CASI, donate today.
