The Ohio State University has received an innovative gift of $2 million from Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. Funding will support academic priorities and talent development efforts in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering.
On April 3, Ohio State faculty, staff and students gathered with Amgen representatives to recognize this collaboration and celebrate a shared commitment to “advancing tomorrow together.”
“Ohio State looks forward to continuing this strategic relationship with Amgen through interdisciplinary research and education that brings together our collective knowledge and expertise to advance the region and the bioproducts sector,” said Peter Mohler, the university’s interim executive vice president. Enterprise for research, innovation and knowledge.
In the College of Arts and Sciences, Amgen’s gift supports scholarships for natural and mathematical sciences majors as part of the university’s debt-free initiative, the Scarlet & Gray Advantage program. It is also funding the construction of the Amgen STEM Learning Center, a new tutoring center aimed at first- and second-year students enrolled in gateway STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) courses. This interdisciplinary center – the first of its kind for the college – will provide peer-led tutoring with a focus on first-generation representation and diversity in these fields.
“Amgen’s gift supports our efforts to transform education in the STEM disciplines,” said David Horn, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The collaborative space and peer-led tutoring model will benefit students of all backgrounds entering these fields and help create a diverse workforce to address tomorrow’s challenges in the Midwest and beyond.”
Amgen’s support also helps strengthen the College of Engineering’s collaboration with the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME). CDME works with companies and researchers to translate new technologies into market-ready products, involving students at all stages. An integrated workforce and technology development program at CDME will provide Ohio state and local high school students with specialized training in manufacturing equipment and processes relevant to Amgen.
“Our strengths in advanced product innovation, industry collaboration and talent development are a perfect match for Amgen’s Ohio operations,” said Ayana Howard, dean of the College of Engineering. “Their investment and engagement with students at CDME is a win-win.”
“We are honored to work with The Ohio State University to help expand opportunities for students in STEM and provide exposure to Amgen’s world-class bio-manufacturing operations. Additionally, it will provide students with real-life experience at Amgen’s Ohio Advanced Assembly and Final Packaging facility. will provide a unique opportunity,” said Sandra Rodriguez-Toledo, Vice President of Site Operations. “We look forward to engaging with students and providing opportunities to share Amgen’s culture of safety, quality and compliance.”
This gift builds on a growing partnership with the University and the Columbus area. In 2021, Amgen broke ground on its final assembly and packaging plant in New Albany. The move to the Midwest highlights the growing demand for STEM graduates – and illustrates the importance of strengthening access to education and talent development for students of all backgrounds.
A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has become one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, reaching millions of patients worldwide and developing a pipeline of drugs with breakthrough potential.