May 16, 2016  

Multimillion-dollar gift endows directorship of Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience

John and Donna Krenicki

John Krenicki Jr. and Donna Krenicki (Purdue University photo/courtesy of the Krenickis)
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —Purdue University alumnus John Krenicki Jr. and his wife, Donna, have given a multimillion-dollar gift to the Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience.

The gift will endow the John and Donna Krenicki Directorship, a position that will lead the newly established institute, which pursues research to alleviate suffering associated with trauma, disease or disorders of the brain and nervous system.

 “Our faculty have identified neuroscience as an area where Purdue research has a chance to achieve world-leading advances,” said Purdue President Mitch Daniels. “The Krenickis have enabled us to pursue the finest scientists available to lead this breakthrough program.”

The Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience builds on Purdue’s strengths in science and engineering to pursue research in four main focus areas: innovative technologies in brain and behavior; aging and neurodegeneration; neurotrauma and neuropathology; and development, genetics and neuropharmacology.

The institute, and the Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases are the two "pillars of excellence in the life sciences" selected to amplify Purdue’s existing strengths in order to enable research at the highest level and with the greatest impact on human lives. The pillars are supported by the university’s $250 million investment in the life sciences.

“Purdue has more than 100 faculty members across 25 departments with ongoing neuroscience-related research activities, and the Institute for Integrative Neuroscience brings them together to enhance Purdue’s neuroscience research and speed the translation of fundamental discoveries into treatments available to those who need them,” said Suresh Garimella, Purdue’s executive vice president for research and partnerships. “We are grateful to John and Donna Krenicki for this investment that gives great momentum to an institute that is poised to truly make a global impact. We also are grateful to them for their continued support of Purdue University, and are proud of John’s exemplary leadership as a Purdue alumnus.”

The Krenickis’ philanthropic focus has been on engineering, the sciences and the arts, three of their passions, John Krenicki said.

“Neuroscience is really in the first or second inning and holds tremendous potential,” he said. “We anticipate advances similar in scope and significance to what has happened in genomics over the last five years. With leadership and focus, Purdue could help advance neuroscience forward an inning or two within our lifetimes.

“We’ve been personally touched and keenly interested in this field and where it is headed for some time. We believe it is at the precipice of fast-paced advancement that will significantly improve human health. With its strengths in biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, computer science and a school of veterinary medicine, Purdue has all the underpinnings in place to be a leader in this space. We are proud to support this effort.”

The donation was made as a part of Purdue’s annual Day of Giving and marks a step forward for the Ever True campaign, which was announced in October and seeks to raise $2.019 billion by 2019, the 150th anniversary of Purdue's founding.

“John and Donna epitomize philanthropy at its best,” said Amy Noah, vice president for development. “Their belief in Purdue cannot be overstated, and their commitment will serve as a catalyst for support from other friends of the university.”

John Krenicki earned his master’s degree in management from Purdue in 1991 and was named a Krannert distinguished alumnus in 2013. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an honorary doctorate from the University of Connecticut in 1984 and 2007, respectively.

He is a senior operating partner with the private equity investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and serves as chairman of Wilsonart International, CHC Group Ltd. and former chairman and director of ServiceMaster Global Holdings. He also is the lead director of Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services Inc.

Prior to joining CD&R in 2013, Krenicki was a GE vice chairman and president and CEO of GE Energy, where his responsibilities included oversight of GE’s oil and gas, power and water, and energy management businesses. He held a number of leadership roles with GE prior to leading GE Energy, including president and CEO of GE Plastics, president and CEO of GE Transportation Systems and director of GE Capital.

Donna Krenicki earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Connecticut in 1984 and has served on the UConn Foundation board of directors. She is a trustee of the Berskshire Museum in Massachusetts.

In 2014 the Krenickis stepped forward to establish the John and Donna Krenicki Chair in Operations Management in the Krannert School of Management.

“The Purdue community is genuine and authentic, and we view the university as part of the backbone of America,” he said. “In addition to the many Purdue graduates GE recruited, I run into Purdue graduates all over the world, and it is clear that the university takes very good people and gives them the skills they need to do great things.” 

Writer: Elizabeth K. Gardner, 765-494-2081, ekgardner@purdue.edu 

Sources:

President Mitch Daniels, president@purdue.edu

Suresh Garimella, 765-494-6209, sureshg@purdue.edu

John Krenicki Jr 

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