University Seeks To Fund Chemistry Research Through Vinson Endowment

Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., emeritus professor of chemistry at the University, believes so strongly in the value of research opportunities that he is providing a $25,000 gift to the University to permanently create them.

According to Vinson’s bio, he first became “hooked on research” during his student days at the University of California at Berkeley, and, over the course of his career, he authored more than 90 articles in scientific publications; additionally, he has been mentioned in many lay publications for his contributions to the field of antioxidants in health and disease. Although Vinson taught his final class at the University in 2015, he is now an emeritus professor.

Vinson recently committed a $25,000 leadership gift to initiate The Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., Endowment for Summer Thesis Research in Chemistry. While the minimum threshold for an endowment investment at the University is $50,000, Vinson hopes his gift will inspire others to support the initiative in the hope of creating a consistent and perpetual source of research income for future Scranton students.

Upon learning of Vinson’s generosity, one of his former students, Michael G. Coco Jr., Ph. D. ’13, a chemist at KBR, Inc., sought to aid Vinson’s efforts by reaching out to his fellow chemistry alumni, writing, “(Vinson’s) personal commitment to continue research opportunities at our alma mater is so impressive that I had to be part of this effort. To make this perpetual fund possible, I invite you to help create this important legacy. Please join me in making a generous gift to support this initiative.

“Let us ensure that Dr. Vinson’s legacy will continue to enrich the lives of students well beyond our years and for the life of our wonderful University!”

To support The Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., Endowment for Summer Thesis Research in Chemistry, visit Scranton.edu/makeagift. To find research articles by faculty members in the Chemistry department, visit this link. To contact Dr. Vinson directly, email him at joe.vinson@scranton.edu.