Gift to Endow Purdue Institute Directorship
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPurdue University says a major gift from an alumnus and his family will provide support to its Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease. The multi-million dollar gift from John Krenicki, his wife Donna and their children will create an endowed directorship of the institute.
The university says the Krenicki Family Directorship in Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease will help provide capable leadership of the institute in its research for the diagnosis and treatment of some of the world’s most common diseases. Purdue President Mitch Daniels calls the gift vital for the institute’s future.
"This institute already leads the world in identifying and understanding the structure of many of the world’s most dangerous viruses," Daniels said in a news release. "With this gift, the Krenickis recognize the critical importance of basic research, and the impact will be felt for years to come."
The institute is located at Purdue’s Discovery Park. The university says Richard Kuhn, professor of science at Purdue, will become the institute’s first director. Kuhn led the research team at Purdue that was able to determine the structure of the Zika virus. Kuhn talked with Inside INdiana Business in March 2016 about the discovery.
John and Donna Krenicki have previously provided gifts to endow the directorship of Purdue’s Institute for Integrative Neuroscience and the chair in operations management in the Krannert School of Management. John Krenicki graduated from Purdue in 1991 with a master’s degree in management.
"Although I am the Purdue alumnus, this gift is from our entire family. Our kids are excited to join us in making this gift and in having our entire family associated with life science research at Purdue," said Krenicki. "We are so proud of our connection to Purdue. These are good people doing great things."