East Stroudsburg, PA – April 30, 2013 – Today, Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, announced a significant contribution to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) -- a long-standing community partner for the company. The $300,000 donation was presented by Frank Epifano, vice president, North America & Global Finance, Commercial Operations, Sanofi Pasteur.
The donation, provided to the East Stroudsburg University Foundation, will be used in part toward the purchase of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation. Such tools will increase modernization of the university’s curricula, enhance student laboratory competencies relevant to current employers, and strengthen the university’s ability to attract students and retain faculty. Funding will also support scholarships for non-traditional students who transfer from area community colleges into ESU’s science and technology programs.
“On behalf of ESU, I extend my thanks to Sanofi Pasteur for their commitment to stewardship, particularly in these difficult economic times for institutions of higher education. We are very proud to partner with such a community-minded organization,” said Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., president, ESU.
Added Welsh, “Sanofi Pasteur’s generosity is paramount to continued student success on many levels. Building solid relationships such as this allows the work of our students to transcend the classroom and provides exceptional internships, scholarly research opportunities, and potential career endeavors that add significant value to an ESU education. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur for many years – and many generations of students – to come.”
“There are many reasons Sanofi Pasteur considers ESU a key strategic community partner,” said Epifano. “First, from a recruitment standpoint, historically there have been more graduates of ESU among Sanofi Pasteur's Swiftwater employee base than of any other university. Additionally, through the Center for Research and Economic Development and related programs such as the 2013 Economic Outlook Summit, ESU has taken a leadership role in driving the economic vitality of Monroe County -- a role it shares in part with Sanofi Pasteur.
Sanofi Pasteur and ESU have a long history of working together on local initiatives related to science, technology, and economic development. Sanofi Pasteur supplied significant funding for the construction of ESU’s Warren and Sandra Hoeffner Science & Technology Center, which houses various science and biotechnology departments. In addition to financial support, Sanofi Pasteur has provided in-kind donations of lab equipment, and through the years Sanofi Pasteur employees have served as members of various ESU boards and served as adjunct professors.
Today’s $300,000 donation to ESU marks just one example of Sanofi Pasteur’s steadfast commitment to Community Relations and local philanthropy. The company and its employees have exceeded $1 million in local philanthropic giving for each of the past three years, aiding the efforts of hundreds of non-profit organizations. Sanofi Pasteur also sponsors and spearheads both the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser and Lackawanna County Community Fundraiser, which have collectively raised $1.5 million to benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania non-profit organizations. The company and its employees also support the local community through annual clothing and boot drives for hundreds of Monroe County Head Start children. Based on these and other contributions Sanofi Pasteur is currently a finalist for Pennsylvania’s first-ever Governor’s Community Impact Award.
Two non-traditional student applicants will be selected for the Sanofi Pasteur/ESU scholarship program in summer 2013. To learn more about the criteria for the science and technology scholarship program, or to apply, contact Angela Beers, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, ESU Foundation, at 570-422-3179 or abeers@esufoundation.org.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us
Contact:
Ellyn Schindler
Director, Home State Public Affairs – Pennsylvania, Sanofi Pasteur US
Tel: 1-570-957-2689
ellyn.schindler@sanofipasteur.com