The dedication of the Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center was attended by more than 700 university and community leaders, elected officials, donors, students, faculty and staff.

"With research laboratories, clinical-trial resources and community outreach functions under one roof, we'll have an environment where basic discoveries can quickly be translated into promising new therapies," said Edward W. Holmes, vice chancellor for health and sciences.

The three-story building, which has been under construction for the past two years, is located on UCSD's East Campus near Thornton Hospital.

It consolidates the campus' clinical, research and administrative services.

The center was partially funded through a $20 million donation from John Moores, a UC Regent and owner of the San Diego Padres, and his wife Rebecca.

Jerome and Miriam Katzin, UCSD volunteers, donated $15 million to the project. The Katzin Research Laboratories, part of the new building, are named in their behalf.

Also attending the ceremony were Andrew von Eschenbach, director of the National Cancer Institute; UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox; and Cancer Center Director Dennis A. Carson.