Mary and Michael Jaharis: A $50 Million Legacy to The Met and St. Nicholas Church at Ground Zero

Mary and Michael Jaharis stand out as leading figures in the Greek-American community, renowned for their significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, philanthropy, and cultural preservation.

Their journey together embodies a blend of business acumen, humanitarian efforts, and dedication to the Greek Orthodox faith and Greek cultural heritage.

Michael Jaharis: A Legacy of Pharmaceutical Innovation and Philanthropy

Michael Jaharis (1928–2016) was born to Greek immigrant parents from Lesvos, Greece, in the United States. His career in the pharmaceutical sector began modestly but soon flourished into significant accomplishments. He was the co-founder of successful companies such as Key Pharmaceuticals and Kos Pharmaceuticals, both of which introduced groundbreaking treatments like Theo-Dur for asthma and Niaspan for improving HDL cholesterol. These innovations propelled him to billionaire status, with his net worth surpassing $2.2 billion at its peak.

Beyond his business success, Jaharis was devoted to philanthropy, supporting numerous institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia University Medical Center, and the Greek Orthodox Church. He notably contributed to the reconstruction of St. Nicholas Church at Ground Zero in New York, the only church destroyed during the 9/11 attacks. With a steadfast dedication to education and healthcare, Jaharis funded scholarships, research, and infrastructure projects that impacted countless lives.

Mary Jaharis: Upholding the Philanthropic Vision

Mary Jaharis has continued her late husband’s philanthropic legacy with unwavering dedication. Born in Wisconsin, she spent part of her childhood in Athens before relocating to Chicago. She graduated from Northwestern University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, later pursuing interior design in New York. Alongside Michael, she co-founded the Jaharis Family Foundation, which supports cultural institutions, museums, universities, and humanitarian efforts.

Her recent $50 million donation to The Met aims to enhance the museum’s modern and contemporary art collection. She serves as a Life Trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago and established the Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture in Boston to promote Byzantine studies. Mary Jaharis’s efforts reflect her passion for art, education, and her Greek heritage, ensuring that the legacy she and Michael built continues to thrive.