Campus News

Myriad Genetics Invests in Future Scientists

Company hopes $300K gift to Westminster College (Utah) for science scholarships will encourage other corporations to contribute to education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Krista DeAngelis (801) 832-2682


SALT LAKE CITY – As a sign of their commitment to supporting future scientists, Myriad Genetics recently announced a $300,000 gift to Westminster College’s science programs. The gift will create eight undergraduate science scholarships, including awards for biology, chemistry, physics and a “Woman in Science” award, as well as one faculty leadership award.

“Life science companies, like Myriad, benefit from talented science graduates who can think critically and work collaboratively,” explained Peter Meldrum, Myriad CEO. “In our experience, Westminster graduates not only possess these skills, but are also prepared to contribute immediately once they are employed.”

The undergraduate scholarships will be awarded to juniors and seniors majoring in biology, chemistry, and physics, and the Excellence in Learning Leadership Award will be awarded to science faculty who support undergraduate research and exemplify Westminster’s focus on student learning.

Westminster recently opened its new state-of-the-art Meldrum Science Center, created the Great Salt Lake Institute, and expanded its undergraduate science programs. Myriad’s gift is an important step to helping more students access these exceptional educational amenities and the type of experiential education Westminster offers.

“We are truly appreciative of Myriad’s generous donation and know that it will serve our students well,” said Michael Bassis, Westminster College president. “We are very thankful that businesses like Myriad are recognizing the importance of investing in our students and the future.”

Myriad also hopes they can set the stage for other companies to contribute to science education.

“Employers seek out Westminster graduates knowing they have the skills and experience needed to succeed in our rapidly changing technical world,” said Meldrum. “We believe investing in the talent of tomorrow makes good business sense today, as it will ensure access to a skilled workforce in the future.”

About Myriad:
Founded in May 1991, Myriad Genetics' strategy is to understand the role of genes in human disease and then use that information to develop and commercialize products that assess a person's risk of developing disease later in life and guide treatment decisions based on an individual's genetic makeup and specific cause of disease. The company soon emerged as a leader in the new field of molecular diagnostics. Going forward, Myriad is uniquely positioned to develop and commercialize new molecular diagnostics that prevent or mitigate the toll of mankind's deadliest diseases, such as cancer. For more information, visit www.myriad.com.

About Westminster:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow WestminsterSLC on Twitter.