10 Things About Dave Snyder & Symphony at Salk

The harder you work, the luckier you’ll get.

The Salk Institute embodies Jonas Salk’s mission to dare to make dreams into reality. Its internationally renowned and award-winning scientists explore the very foundations of life, seeking new understandings in neuroscience, genetics, immunology, plant biology and more. The Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark. Be it cancer or Alzheimer’s, aging or diabetes, Salk is where cures begin.

Dave Snyder and his wife Phyllis, support Symphony at Salk because of the wonderful work the Salk Institute is doing in scientific research. With a grandson on the autism spectrum, they are particularly interested in the Salk neuroscience programs and the groundbreaking work being done to discover the causes of this disorder. Symphony at Salk presents the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in the iconic Louis Kahn courtyard in support of the work going on at the institution. What could be a more magical evening?

#1 I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

#2 After the obligatory Midwestern snow shoveling and lawn mowing, my first job was teaching guitar lessons at a music store during high school.

#3 My favorite food is the New York Strip at Donavan’s Steak House.

#4 My favorite movie is a toss-up between “Animal House” and “Caddy Shack”.

#5 I am definitely a Dog person. I’m still not completely over the loss of our family pet, MacLeod.

#6 I try to work with colleagues who are smarter than I am.

#7 Most people cannot fathom that during high school I was the lead singer in a rock band and an all-county offensive lineman in football. Yes, it was a small county.

#8 I’d like to meet F. Scott Fitzgerald and see if my undergraduate musings bore any resemblance to reality. Tender is the Night is my favorite book.

#9 My wife Phyllis and I believe strongly in philanthropy. We have been fortunate to see first-hand how quality of life is enhanced by philanthropic causes, and among our favorites are Rady Children’s Hospital, The San Diego Center for Children and The San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association.

#10 Proceeds support Salk’s award-winning Education Outreach programs, which are provided at no cost to the youth of San Diego and their teachers. Support of Symphony at Salk also contributes to a vital source of funding for the Institute’s scientists.