Giving to Fralin Life Sciences Institute
As one of Virginia Tech’s four investment institutes, we are committed to leveraging university resources for strategic research initiatives, particularly emphasizing collaborative and interdisciplinary programs.
These investments come in various forms, all aimed at nurturing the next generation of environmental and life science professionals and revolutionizing the landscape of research and education at Virginia Tech, throughout the Commonwealth, and beyond. We are deeply inspired by the collaborative spirit of our community as we work together to confront today’s greatest societal challenges head-on.
As stewards of university resources, we remain steadfast in our dedication to developing programs and supporting teams that will enable us to realize our mission. Through frequent collaborations with leaders from academic units, other institutes, and diverse research groups, we have an unwavering commitment to nurturing vibrant academic and research portfolios that align with our mission.
For information about how to donate to the Fralin Life Sciences Institute, please visit the Virginia Tech Foundation website.
Horace Fralin: An Eye to the Future
Following his graduation in 1948 with a degree in electrical engineering, the late Horace Fralin went on to forge a partnership in Fralin and Waldron Inc., a company that specialized in federal housing programs, health care facilities, and retirement centers. The company has also been involved with the rehabilitation of buildings in downtown Roanoke.
Fralin was a charter member of Virginia Tech's Ut Prosim Society and was a Corporate Distinguished Benefactor, founding member of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center Board of Directors, and served as president of the Virginia Tech Foundation. He served on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, College of Engineering Committee of 100 Advisory Board, Virginia Tech Foundation Executive and Finance Committee, and was chairman of the Hotel Roanoke advisory committee.
The Virginia Tech Alumni Association recognized his leadership by honoring Fralin with the Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award, and in 1992 the university conferred upon him its most distinguished award for service, the William H. Ruffner Medal.
Fralin's bequest to Virginia Tech, valued at $8.6 million, is one of the largest gifts in university history. Four million dollars of his gift was, at his request, earmarked for the study and application of biotechnology. These funds have been used to create a permanent endowment for the institute. The proceeds from the endowment are used to match contributions and grants from other sources to continue the outreach, teaching, and research missions of the Fralin Center. Through this endowment, Horace Fralin will continue to support research in the fields of human and animal health and agricultural productivity forever.