Cornell College awarded Carver Grant

MOUNT VERNON – Cornell College has been awarded a grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust in the amount of $178,521 to purchase equipment for the biochemistry and molecular biology program. The funds will be used to purchase cell culture equipment, a gel documentation system, an atomic absorption spectrometer, and a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. “The way we teach is different today. We need the most recent equipment to keep up with new technology so that our students get the best liberal arts education possible,” said Cornell Professor of Biology Craig Tepper, “This grant is a significant step in creating an environment that attracts top science students and faculty to Cornell.” The new equipment will be used in all levels of coursework and will actively enhance student-faculty research, allowing the department to further integrate biology and chemistry while simultaneously providing open-ended, hands-on laboratory opportunities for students. “The Carver Trust has a longstanding interest in science education and institutions of higher learning in Iowa,” said Lynne Sasmazer, Program Director for the Trust, “Our board of trustees is very pleased to make this award to Cornell College, in keeping with the Trust’s mission to foster ongoing improvement in quality academic programs for the benefit of youth in our state.” The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust is the largest private philanthropic foundation in the state of Iowa. Biomedical and scientific research; primary, secondary and higher education; and other issues related to the needs of youth are the program areas of greatest interest to the Carver Charitable Trust. “We are grateful for the generosity of the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust,” commented Cornell College President Les Garner. “This grant will have a profound impact on the teaching and learning experience at Cornell College by providing access to state of the art scientific tools.” This grant from the Carver Trust will count as part of the comprehensive campaign Extraordinary Opportunities: The Campaign for Cornell College, which concludes in December 2009. The campaign seeks to enhance the Cornell experience by increasing the college’s endowment, upgrading its facilities, and enhancing the academic program.