Biomedical Science Research Building: Major Gifts

Gilbert S. Omenn Atrium

February 2006: In recognition of a significant gift to support the work of the BSRB from Gilbert Omenn, M.D., Ph.D., and his wife Martha Darling, the atrium has been named the Gilbert S. Omenn Atrium. Dr. Omenn was the University of Michigan Health System’s first executive vice president of medical affairs. A successful leader and a life sciences pioneer, Dr. Omenn is a U-M professor of molecular medicine and genetics, internal medicine, and of human genetics at the Medical School, and a professor of public health at the School of Public Health.

Flame of Wisdom Sculpture

Art and science come together near the northwest corner of the Biomedical Science Research Building in a sculpture by renowned artist Leonardo Nierman. His “Flame of Wisdom” sculpture stands on the northwest corner of the Biomedical Science Research Building (southeast corner of Glen and Ann Streets).

Acquired: 2006

Materials: Stainless steel, with polished granite base

Comments: Gift of the Kaufman family. Regarding this piece, the artist Leonardo Nierman states: "Remembering my emotions, my original thought of creating this Flame of Wisdom during my visit to your campus and playing with the idea of doing a sculpture, I felt that it would be a great opportunity to pay tribute to the wonderful minds that live in the campus crystallizing so many wonderful dreams that will enrich mankind until the end of time."

Leonardo Nierman has been called the greatest living abstract painter in Latin America. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the University of Mexico in 1951, which provides rich context to his paintings and sculptures that depict humanity’s inner and outer space.