Ralph “Chris” Christoffersen ’59, 2014 Leadership and Service Award

Ralph “Chris” Christoffersen, your student-faculty research at Cornell led you to a lifetime dedicated to biotech research in both the collegiate and private sectors.

With a Cornell degree in chemistry and mathematics in 1959 and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Indiana University, you went on to serve as a faculty member, then vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Kansas, and later as president of Colorado State University.

In 1983 you became head of world-wide drug discovery at The Upjohn Co. and subsequently at SmithKline Beecham, and then CEO of Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals. In 2001 you joined Morgenthaler Ventures where you now focus on new biotechnology investments.

You have been recognized many times for your dedication to the pharmaceutical industry. Among your honors are the “Outstanding Research of Year” Award from the International Society of Quantum Biology in 1981, an honorary doctor of law degree from Cornell College in 1983, the W. E. Upjohn Award for contributions in biotechnology in 1988, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 from the Colorado Biosciences Association.

You have generously supported Cornell both with your expertise and your philanthropy. While a student at Cornell College, you spent portions of one winter living in the attic of Chemistry Professor Bill Deskin which allowed you to conduct research on campus. Professor Deskin’s mentorship, dedication, and friendship of more than 50 years led you and your wife Barbara to underwrite the William Deskin Chair in chemistry in 2012. In addition, you serve on the college’s Investment Committee and the Berry Center Advisory Board.

Chris, on behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the entire Cornell community, It is an honor to recognize you with the Leadership and Service Award.