North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has received a $100,000 scholarship endowment from the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering – Carolina South Atlantic Chapter (ISPE-CaSA). The announcement was made at ISPE-CaSA’s Technology Show, the organization’s largest annual event, attended by nearly 3,000 industry professionals.
This investment strengthens ISPE-CaSA’s longstanding partnership with NCCU, which began in 2007 with the launch of the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) program. Since then, the organization has supported NCCU students through networking events, student chapter meetings and international conference opportunities, fostering valuable industry connections.
“This scholarship endowment will go a long way in supporting our students and faculty recruitment, ultimately producing emerging and future leaders for this program,” said Mohammad Ahmed, Ph.D., dean of the NCCU College of Health and Sciences, during the presentation.
“The ISPE-Carolina South Atlantic Chapter (ISPE-CaSA) Endowment Scholarship is a vital investment in NCCU students, providing crucial support for their academic and professional growth in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries,” said Gordon Ibeanu, PhD., professor and chair of the department of pharmaceutical sciences and interim director of BRITE. “This partnership will ease financial burdens, enrich educational experiences and have a lasting impact. We are truly grateful for ISPE-CaSA’s generosity and commitment to student success.”
Industry leaders echoed their enthusiasm for the collaboration:
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“The dedication of NCCU’s faculties has been instrumental in connecting students with professional opportunities in the industry” said Chris Smith, director of business development, Hygenix Inc. “Their commitment, alongside the support of the BRITE program, ISPE-CaSA, and NCCU alumni, has strengthened these partnerships and created lasting benefits for students.”
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“We are excited to strengthen our collaboration,” said Chandler Conley, director of technical operations, East Coast, PSC Biotech Corporation. “With many NCCU and BRITE alumni involved in our chapter and industry, we value this partnership and look forward to supporting students in any way we can.”
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“I am honored to present this scholarship endowment to my dear NCCU, ensuring a lasting partnership between NCCU and ISPE-CaSA” said alumna Hadassah Eley, PMP, Capital M. E. Strategies, LLC. “Our goal is to inspire students in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, and biological sciences to pursue careers in the industry, with ISPE-CaSA serving as a guiding partner in their professional journey.”