RELEASE DATE:  June 3, 2008

 

NCCCS BioNetwork                                                                                 Biogen Idec
Matthew Meyer                                                                                         Mike McBrierty
(919) 807-7155                                                                                          (919) 993-6368

NCCCS BioNetwork and Biogen Idec announce $25,000 donation for scholarship program

RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Community College System BioNetwork and Biogen Idec today announced the creation of a scholarship program for students interested in obtaining an Associate’s Degree in the Biotechnology field.

Biogen Idec, located in Research Triangle Park, has donated $25,000 to the North Carolina Community College System to help students with limited financial resources who demonstrate a commitment to the life sciences industry pursue a two-year degree. Graduates may then join the ranks of the biopharmaceutical industry or go on to pursue a related four-year degree.

“This is a perfect example of how the partnership between private industry and public educational institutions can truly make a difference in the lives of our students,” said Dr. Scott Ralls, NCCCS President. “I commend Biogen for their foresight and initiative.”

Matthew Meyer, Director of the NCCCS BioNetwork, said, “We especially pleased by this donation in such a tight economic environment as we are currently experiencing. This scholarship will be a great help to some of our brightest students that may not otherwise be able to attend college.”

Dr. Esther Alegria, Biogen Idec’s vice president for manufacturing and general manager of the company’s RTP site shared the company’s appreciation for its long-standing collaboration with the NCCCS, “North Carolina’s robust, industry-responsive community college system is one of the contributing factors that drew us to the state in the mid-90s. We - along with our industry peers - have experienced the benefits ever since. Whether it’s providing scholarship funding or curriculum development assistance, Biogen Idec looks forward to continuing our partnership with our state’s outstanding community colleges.”

Students who are interested in applying for the scholarship should visit www.ncbionetwork.org

About BioNetwork
The NCCCS BioNetwork is the nation’s leading network of specialized training, education and workforce development for biotechnology-related industries. www.ncbionetwork.org

About NCCCS
The North Carolina Community College System enrolls more than 800,000 students in 58 comprehensive community colleges. Internationally recognized for the scope and quality of its programs, the system is North Carolina's primary provider of workforce preparation and adult education.

About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idec’s significant products that address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.

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