For immediate release: Nov. 7, 2008

BLOOMSBURG — Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania recently received a $20,000 grant from Cherokee Pharmaceuticals LLC. The former Merck facility is located in Riverside, near Danville.

The grant helped fund a program to promote inquiry-based education in molecular biology to area secondary students. The project, “Bridging the Gap through Summer Research Experiences in Molecular Biology” was run by BU’s biology and allied health faculty members.

As part of the program, three BU undergraduate students and five high school students participated in research projects during the summer. For the BU undergraduate students, research will continue until the spring semester.

Betse Humphrey, Cherokee Pharmaceuticals spokesperson, said, “As a new company, Cherokee Pharmaceuticals plans to carry on the philanthropy long practiced by Merck, while forging its own identity. In that spirit, Cherokee is pleased to offer continued support to Bloomsburg University, which we recognize plays an important role in our community. We look forward to continuing our partnership in an ongoing effort to enhance science education.”

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 8,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Professional Studies, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.