Every journey begins with that first step," says Dr. Robert A. Vukovich, founder and CEO of Wellspring Pharmaceutical Corp. "And, for me, that first step was Allegheny College."
Dr. Vukovich and Mrs. Laura J. DiMichele-Vukovich of Holmdel, N.J., have announced a gift to Allegheny College of $22.2 million, the largest in the College's 185-year history. A portion of the gift will help to support the development and construction of a new theater and communication arts complex, which will feature cutting-edge technologies and curricular innovation, enhancing teaching and learning in theater and communications.
"Allegheny transformed my life, providing me with a solid education that enabled me to succeed," Vukovich explains. "Allegheny's science program prepared me for medical school, and the College's entrepreneurial culture helped foster the determination to launch my own companies."
"We wanted this gift to make a lasting impact on the College since Allegheny was-and is-such a positive force in Bob's life," adds DiMichele-Vukovich, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Vukovich graduated from Allegheny College in 1965 with a bachelor of science degree in biology and later earned a Ph.D. from Jefferson Medical College. In 1983, he founded Roberts Pharmaceutical Corp., a privately held company that focused on new health care solutions through the development of specialty pharmaceuticals. He founded and became chairman, president and CEO of Wellspring in 1999, a privately held national pharmaceutical company in Farmingdale, N.J., dedicated to the development of new products related to neonatal therapy, urology and cardiovascular medicine. DiMichele-Vukovich is executive vice president of administrative services and human resources at Wellspring and also served in the same position for Roberts Pharmaceutical Corp.
"Allegheny College is profoundly grateful for the Vukovichs' stunning generosity," says Allegheny College President Richard J. Cook. "This landmark gift affirms the value of a liberal arts education and serves as a tangible reminder that our alumni appreciate their educational experiences and want to ensure that students for generations to come enjoy that same opportunity."
A Product of the Liberal Arts
The fact that a liberal arts college "kick-started" the career of an entrepreneur in the medical sciences is not unusual at Allegheny. Nor is it unusual that Dr. Vukovich would direct his gift to the advancement of the theater and communication arts.
The gift highlights the bond among students who live and learn in a community in which the practical and creative arts are valued as pursuits that generate leaders in every field.
As a liberal arts college, Allegheny is committed to maintaining strength and distinction in the humanities and the social and natural sciences. In 1993, thanks to a generous gift, the College created a state-of-the-art facility to house the departments of biology, chemistry and environmental sciences.
With the Vukovich gift, Allegheny's faculty and students will soon benefit from such a facility for the theater and communication arts programs at the College.
