VCOM 2019 Annual Report

VCOMBoard Director Creates Scholarship for Graduates of Radford University R andal “R.J.” Kirk, who serves on the VCOM Board of Directors, endowed a scholarship providing support for high- achieving students who are graduates of Radford University. Mr. Kirk, who graduated from Pulaski

on to serve as chairman of Clinical Data, an early innovator in pharmacogenomics, which utilized the power of “big data” in therapeutic design. In 2009, Mr. Kirk became the CEO of Intrexon Corporation and has since devoted himself and the company to advancing genetic and biological engineering to benefit the health and well-being of humans, animals and the environment. As a member of the VCOM Board of Directors since 2014, and former Rector of the Radford University Board of Visitors, Mr. Kirk has long been a strong advocate for improving students’ access to education and research. He has worked to support and guide VCOM in its mission. “This is a wonderful gift, but for those of us who’ve worked with R.J. over the years, it’s hardly a surprise that he would do something like this,” said John Rocovich, Chairman of the VCOM Board of Directors. “R.J. is an ideal board member. He is relentlessly positive about VCOM’s mission, but he is also a wise and pragmatic voice when it comes to keeping us on a firm financial footing so we can continue to succeed. We are very fortunate to have both his superb leadership and financial support

High School, went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in economics from Radford University and also a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia.

VCOM President Dixie Tooke-Rawlins noted that the need for scholarship funds has never been more important to assist our students. “We couldn’t be more delighted that this scholarship gift will help talented graduates of Radford University attend VCOM,” she said. “We value our relationship with Radford University, and by helping students from his alma mater attend VCOM, R.J. is modeling how one generation of alumni can help those now and in generations to come.” Mr. Kirk is one of the biotech industry’s foremost individual investors, inventors and executives, bringing a number of successful drugs to market, including those during his decade-plus leadership of New River Pharmaceuticals. After New River Pharmaceuticals was sold to Shire, Mr. Kirk went “ Growing up in southwest Virginia, I am well aware of the challenges facing families living in rural and medically underserved areas. I feel very fortunate to be able to provide this scholarship that will encourage others, especially graduates from Radford University, to pursue their dreams of becoming a physician. ” Randal J. Kirk

working on our behalf.”

129

OUR FRIENDS