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News

Feb 23, 2024Blog | Member News, Higher Education

URI receives $7M gift for neuroscience and molecular research

THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND has received a $7 million gift from Cherubina “Ruby” DeChristofaro, wife of the late Joseph DeChristofaro to advance molecular and neuroscience research at the university. Also, URI's Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences building, pictured, will be renamed in honor of the DeChristofaros and their seven-figure gift. / COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF RHODEI SLAND

New England Council member, the University of Rhode Island has received a $7 million gift from the family of a late alum and insurance executive, Joseph DeChristofaro, and his wife Cherubina “Ruby” DeChristofaro to advance scientific research and support students at the university.

The donation will form the Joseph and Ruby DeChristofaro Award for Scholarly Excellence in Neuroscience and the Ruby DeChristofaro Distinguished Endowed Faculty Fund in Molecular Life and Neurosciences. The University of Rhode Island will also name the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences in the DeChristofaro’s honor. The dean for URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences John Kirby said the donation would be “transformational,” for the college. Kirby said the award will go to two third-year undergraduate interdisciplinary neuroscience students. At the same time, the faculty fund will be meant to attract and retain professors while advancing contributions in neuroscience and molecular life research.

The New England Council congratulates the University of Rhode Island for advancing its research initiatives.

Read more from Providence Business News.

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