We will miss a friend and advisor as Donald Kennedy has died April 21 in Redwood City, California. He was 88.
Dr. Kennedy had a stroke in 2015, but the immediate cause was complications from the novel coronavirus, said his wife, Robin Kennedy.
Born in New York City on August 18, 1931, he spent the majority of his career at Stanford University where he was known for his humor, dedication to students and courageous leadership.
As a neurobiologist, he pioneered research in complex forms of motor activity and a new technique of dye injection into single nerve cells.
Beginning in 1980 he served as the eighth president of Stanford. Dr. Kennedy had a standing invitation for students to join him on daily runs around “the Dish,” a radio antenna and landmark on the Stanford campus. He also directed a modernizing of the school’s Western culture curriculum to incorporate the achievements of women and minorities.
He was a strong advocate for science and public service which led him to serve as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 1977 to 1979.
From 2000 to 2008, Kennedy served as editor in chief of the journal Science. He was also served on the boards of numerous nonprofits and scientific organizations.
He encouraged students to engage in public service by starting a program now known as the Haas Center for Public Service. The Haas Center now offers the Donald Kennedy Public Service Fellowship, which funds summer service projects for undergraduate students.
Kennedy is survived by his wife, Robin Kennedy; children Page Kennedy Rochon, Julia Kennedy Tussing, Cameron Kennedy, Jamie Hamill; and nine grandchildren.
Don served as a member of our board of advisors from the time we were founded 15 years ago until 2018. He cared deeply about issues related to poverty and demonstrated this through his service with us and to many other groups and individuals.
|
|
|
Who we are and what we do...
The Center on Business and Poverty is a partnership of businesses, individuals, and non-profits that focus on sustaining and enhancing underserved communities through initiatives, research, writing, networking, and entrepreneurship.
|
|
|
|
