Wayne State University and the School of Medicine mourn the loss of Nicholas “Nick” J. Labedz Jr., who died May 25, 2019, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his friend and partner, Richard Mazurek, M.D., who graduated from the School of Medicine in 1961. A native of the Detroit area and a long-time resident of southern California, Mr. Labedz was a passionate, generous donor and a great friend to the School of Medicine. He will be missed.

Mr. Labedz committed $10.2 million to support construction of the Richard J. Mazurek, M.D., Medical Education Commons in 2005, to help “create a learning center that will be unmatched for years to come.” It was the largest individual gift ever made to the university at the time. What originated as a vision to optimize on-campus educational experiences for students and clinicians was transformed into a reality through Mr. Labedz’s philanthropy. The Richard J. Mazurek, M.D., Medical Education Commons has become the nucleus of programs for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education.

Mr. Labedz noted that his philanthropic interests were focused on helping students, especially those who might come from circumstances similar to his own. His lifetime giving to the School of Medicine totals more than $25 million.

A memorial service will be held June 15 at noon at the Lesneski Mortuary in San Clemente, Calif. In lieu of flowers, family and friends have requested that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To learn more about making a gift to the Richard J. Mazurek, M.D., Medical Education Commons, please contact Lori Robitaille at 313-993-4070 or lrobitai@med.wayne.edu.