Herb Paaren makes $2M gift to fund new Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion

UIC isn’t just one of the best academic centers for drug discovery in Illinois. It’s one of the best, period. The university consistently ranks among the top 25 academic institutions for licensing revenue, with 90% coming from medical treatment innovations. While earning revenue is not UIC’s primary goal, it illustrates an ability to identify and address patient needs. Key players in this success are our medical, pharmaceutical, chemistry and cancer programs, all of which are located in different buildings. So, what could happen if a dedicated space was built where these stakeholders could conduct drug discovery and cancer research together?

Hence the forthcoming Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion (DDCRP). At the new facility, world‑class scientists from the University of Illinois Cancer Center, the Herbert M. and Carol H. Retzky College of Pharmacy, the Department of Chemistry from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the University of Illinois Collaborative Engagement in Novel Therapeutic Research and Enterprise (UICentre) will collaborate on more effective and equitable disease treatments, screenings and preventions – all under one roof. The energy and engagement – and the innovation – that will ensue are priceless.

The idea sounded good to Herb Paaren BS ’71, MS ’73, PhD ’76, a synthetic organic chemist and pharmaceutical manufacturing company principal and co‑founder who blessed the venture with a $2 million gift for its construction.

“It’s a perfect way to support UIC, given the way federal and state funding has been drying up,” Paaren said. “A good drug with patent protections and a royalty revenue stream can really help the university. Put all the smart people in one room, and good things can happen.”