Washington University announces plans to build Uncas A. Whitaker Hall for Biomedical Engineering
St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 5, 1999 --In recognition of The Whitaker Foundation's long-term support of Washington University's scientific research and education, coupled with the recent receipt of two major grants for the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton has announced plans to construct a building to house biomedical engineering research and teaching. Groundbreaking is set for the fall of 2000 with occupancy scheduled for the fall of 2002.
The facility will be named the Uncas A. Whitaker Hall for Biomedical Engineering, after the Foundation's founder. Uncas A. Whitaker was an inventor, engineer and philanthropist who established AMP Incorporated, the world's largest manufacturer of electrical connectors and connecting devices. This summer Washington University received two major grants from The Whitaker Foundation totaling $13 million. The largest of the two awards will provide $10 million toward the construction of the biomedical engineering building, and the second award of $3 million will be used over the next three years to assist in recruiting as many as six new faculty members to the department.
In making the announcement, Wrighton emphasized the partnership role The Whitaker Foundation has played in scientific, engineering and medical advancements over the past decade. "Since 1987, The Whitaker Foundation has provided a total of 34 grants, which, combined with the recent awards for the Department of Biomedical Engineering, totals more than $19 million," Wrighton noted.
"We are very grateful to The Whitaker Foundation for joining us in our commitment to the growth of biomedical engineering teaching and research at Washington University," Wrighton said. "With Professor Frank Yin at the helm, and with the wonderful support of The Whitaker Foundation, the department is poised to beco
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Contact: Tony Fitzpatrick
tony_fitzpatrick@aismail.wustl.edu
314-935-5272
Washington University in St. Louis
4-Nov-1999