Vol. 19, No. 35 |
July 6, 2000 |
Hercules Inc. announces $1 million pledge to DBI
 Vincent J. Corbo, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Hercules Inc., made a $1 million pledge to University of Delaware President David P. Roselle and David Weir, director of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI), in a ceremony June 22 at the institute's new building, now under construction in the Delaware Technology Park in Newark.
The gift--to be made in installments of $200,000 annually--is earmarked for research at the institute, a partnership of higher education, government and industry focused on developing interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. Corbo presented a $200,000 check as the first installment at the ceremony. Several UD faculty members and graduate students are affiliated with DBI, whose mission is to engage in leading-edge scientific discovery, provide biotechnology-based education and create high-quality job positions. "In our industry, we apply both chemistry and biotechnology to do business. It's a powerful combination," Corbo said. "And, that is why our company is so committed to our partnership with the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, and so proud that this vibrant, state-of-the-art facility will position the First State, Small Wonder that it is, as an intellectual leader in emerging life sciences technologies. "I believe that this new institute will create an exciting environment that will attract students to pursue careers in the most honorable field of science, which has always dedicated itself to improving the quality of life and making a positive contribution to society," he said. "We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration and invite others to join us." Delaware Gov. Thomas R. Carper said, "Today's announcement is an investment by Hercules, but it is also a commitment by the Delaware Biotechnology Institute–a commitment to take life sciences research in a new and innovative direction–to explore new biological advances in chemistry. "The partnership between the Biotechnology Institute and Hercules is one of the first collaborations in the country to explore this new type of research," Carper said. "I am proud that this new partnership is taking place in Delaware–a state recognized for its history of innovation. "Hercules, DuPont and AstraZeneca form the Life Sciences Corridor that runs down Route 141. They are also our greatest success stories. From them, we are already well on our way to building a strong, vibrant biotechnology presence in Delaware," he said. "The Delaware Technology Park is the state's first successful incubator, and it is the centerpiece of the state's technology initiative," Darrell J. Minott, director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, said. "The state's commitment to biotechnology began in 1996 with the creation of five Advanced Technology Centers, including the Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and funding by the 21st Century Fund." "You'll note that we meet today at 15 Innovation Way!" Roselle said. "That word 'innovation' is key to the success of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute and this research park. It gives me great pleasure to accept this gift to the University, earmarked for the Delaware Biotechnology Institute–a gift given for innovation and one that I pledge will be used to help achieve it. "I am pleased to have this opportunity to thank Hercules for being good corporate citizens and also pleased to be able to tell you what this gift means the University's $225 million Campaign for Delaware fundraising effort," he said. "Some of you may know that we announced this campaign just 20 months ago as a five-year effort, and, with the generous gift from Hercules today, we have already raised in excess of $207 million. Today's gift brings us to 92 percent of our campaign goal! This day is special indeed!" he said. "Our experience in the "Going forward, the Campaign for Delaware will emphasize as its most important scorecard the needs of the institution that have been met and the opportunities that have been provided for students, staff and faculty, and the state and region we serve," he said. Weir, whom the governor called "the state's single best biotechnology salesman," said the institute's relationship with Hercules is one of the very highest quality. "One of the things that will make DBI a success is its ability to form solid, lasting relationships, and, if our relationship with Hercules is any indication, the institute is truly destined for greatness," he said. "It will be an honor to work with Hercules, and I am confident that the institute will bring great value to the company's new initiatives–both through cutting-edge research and educated students who can be future Hercules employees." The announcement was held in the construction site of DBI's new $14 million building, which is scheduled to be completed this fall. The two-story structure will house 150 researchers in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. It will serve as the hub for the institute's research network, focusing on plant molecular biology and genetics, poultry genetics, proteomics, cell/tissue engineering and bioinformatics. Hercules has a longstanding relationship with the University of Delaware. Hercules has long provided technology grants that enable the company to gain access to new technologies of interest to the industry. This relationship has helped Hercules recruit new scientists. Hercules manufactures chemical specialties used in making a variety of products for home, office and industrial markets. For more information, visit the Hercules web site at [www.herc.com]. |
campaign has been that our friends want to help us fully address opportunities and that's certainly what today is all about–opportunities and how to make the very best of them," Roselle said. "We are delighted and uplifted by the fact that the attitude of responding to opportunities prevails in this state and among our alumni and friends.