BGU Establishes Stem Cell Research Fund in Memory of Dr. Jordan Baruch, Scientist and Inventor
BGU Establishes Stem Cell Research Fund in Memory of Dr. Jordan Baruch, Scientist and Inventor
January 11, 2013
Medical Research, Press Releases
CHEVY CHASE, MD, January 14, 2013 — American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Americans for Ben-Gurion University) received a substantial donation from Dr. Rhoda Baruch, wife of the late Dr. Jordan Baruch, to fund stem cell research at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Beer-Sheva, Israel.
The Jordan Baruch Stem Cell Research Fund was dedicated at the University on December 30 in the presence of Rhoda Baruch and 20 members of her extended family.
“Jordan recognized that here at Ben-Gurion University are the people who walk the extra mile and who are dedicated to the less fortunate. What the people of BGU have in addition to their brilliance and creativity is a sense of compassion and dedication that touched us so much. If anyone can do it, you guys can do it,” Baruch declared.
The donation will support scholarly collaboration between specially selected medical and pharmacological researchers, stem cell biologists and tissue engineers. It will support the work of BGU’s new Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Research.
“Jordan was a passionate supporter of Israel and especially BGU,” says Keren Waranch, director of the Washington-Baltimore Region of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Americans for Ben-Gurion University), who also attended the dedication.
“He and Rhoda founded the local Americans for Ben-Gurion University chapter in the 1980s and funded the Mendel Wasserman Career Development Chair in Desert Studies, named in memory of Rhoda’s father.
“We are extremely grateful to Rhoda for this generous contribution and moving tribute to her husband of 67 years,” Waranch adds. “This fund will launch BGU forward in researching the treatment and potential cure for debilitating diseases such as diabetes, ALS, Parkinson’s and leukemia.”
Dr. Baruch (pronounced Bah-ROOSH), who died in 2011, was considered one of the foremost authorities in the field of acoustics. He held several patents for sound-dampening technology and loudspeaker systems.
He worked with the National Institutes of Health to create one of the first versions of remote database access, as well as a colorimeter for cardiovascular procedures and a new lighting system used for brain surgery.
From 1977 to 1979, he served as assistant secretary of commerce for science and technology under President Jimmy Carter. In that role he helped create the Binational Research and Development Foundation (BIRD), which fosters research and cooperation between Israel and the United States, and helped strengthen U.S. business ties with China.
“His was a brilliant mind,” said BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi. “He thought far ahead of most people. His loss is a great loss to mankind, to the D.C. Jewish community and the Americans for Ben-Gurion University and BGU community. Rhoda, thank you for taking forward his vision.”
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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