Purdue News Roundup
Purdue News RoundupFebruary 27, 1998
The Walther Cancer Institute, a nonprofit cancer research organization based in Indianapolis, has joined with the Purdue Cancer Center to develop a research program at Purdue aimed at increasing basic knowledge of the genetic and biochemical basis of cancer. The institute has allocated $2.45 million to the program as part of its goal to enhance cancer research in institutions throughout the Midwest.
The five-year partnership will allow Purdue to hire seven new faculty members and to expand its programs in cancer research. The new faculty positions will include five assistant professors, each of whom will have a joint appointment as a Walther investigator, and two senior faculty members who will be recruited as Walther Professors.
"This new partnership is a significant step in the battle against cancer," Purdue President Steven C. Beering said. "Through research partnerships with major universities, the Walther Institute is helping humankind discover the secrets of this terrible disease. I am very pleased about the opportunities this program creates."
Purdue and Walther also will jointly conduct pilot research projects initiated by Purdue's Cancer Center investigators.
The Purdue Cancer Center is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a laboratory basic cancer center and has been supported by NCI grants since 1979.
Richard F. Borch, interim director of the Purdue Cancer Center and head of Purdue's Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, said the partnership is a major step in expanding cancer research at Purdue.
"We are very excited about the new partnership and are delighted that Walther has made this commitment to the future of the Purdue Cancer Center," he said. "This partnership will provide the resources to bring outstanding cancer scientists to Purdue, and it will have a tremendous impact on basic cancer research at the university. The Walther Cancer Institute continues to play a major role in cancer research in Indiana, and the Purdue Cancer Center is proud of its continuing relationship with the institute."
Luis Proenza, vice president for research at Purdue, said "As an NCI-designated basic research center, Purdue's Cancer Center is pleased to have this opportunity to join with the Walther Institute in furthering the role that our scientists will play in the fundamental understanding of cancer."
CONTACT: Borch, (765) 494-9129; e-mail, rickb@pharmacy.purdue.edu
"Since President Harry S Truman extended de facto recognition to Israel in 1948, the United States and Israel have maintained a close, even special relationship," said Michael A. Morrison, Purdue associate professor of history. "U.S.-Israeli relations have had a significant effect on political, economic, and social developments in the Middle East. A host of calamities has tested the limits of the relationship, but the close connection -- although sometimes strained -- endures."
The series, presented by the Purdue Department of History and the Department of Convocations and Lectures, is free and open to the public. All lectures will begin at 7:30 p.m. The schedule:
The Sears Lecture Series has a 16-year tradition of presenting informative and distinguished orators to the Purdue community. Speakers have included Gen. William C. Westmoreland; Sens. George McGovern and Frank Church; Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times correspondent Hedrick Smith; Leonard Woodcock, first U.S. ambassador to the People's Republic of China; and Michael Manley, former prime minister of Jamaica.
The biennial series, named for the late Purdue historian Louis Martin Sears, is alternately sponsored by the Departments of History and Political Science. Sears, a Chicago native, joined the faculty of Purdue's Department of History and Political Science in 1920. He specialized in diplomatic history and biography and was the author of numerous books and publications. He retired from Purdue in 1956 and died in 1960.
Seating for the lectures will be first-come, first served, and no tickets are necessary. For more information, contact the Department of History at (765) 494-4122 or the Department of Convocations at (765) 494-9712.
-- Katherine Tyler Scott, executive director of Trustees Leadership Development, will present "Inner Work: A Discipline of Leadership" at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 19, in Room 210, Stewart Center. Scott's organization has developed a national education program designed to help not-for-profit agencies build leadership skills for their staffs and board members. The free program is part of the Women's Resource Office Leadership Series.
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Alumni honors:
-- The School of Industrial Engineering honored eight of its graduates with the 1998 Outstanding Industrial Engineer Awards. The award recognizes individuals whose distinguished careers reflect highly on the value of a Purdue industrial engineering education. Recipients are: Juan E. de Bedout Molina, vice president, Latin American Operations, Kimberly-Clark, Roswell, Ga. ; Michael L. Eskew, senior vice president of engineering, United Parcel Service, Atlanta ; Pedro Granadillo Jr., vice president, human resources, Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis ; Harry V. Huffman, vice president and general counsel, Citizens Gas & Coke Utility, Indianapolis ; Cynthia A. Niekamp, vice president, corporate strategy and planning, Mead Corp., Dayton, Ohio ; Mike T. Riordan, president and chief operating officer, Fort James Corp., Green Bay, Wis. ; John M. Stropki, executive vice president and president North America, Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, Ohio ; and Adel Zakaria, senior vice president, engineering and manufacturing, worldwide agricultural equipment division, Deere and Co., Moline, Ill.
Compiled by J. Michael Willis, (765) 494-0371; e-mail, mike_willis@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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