Ohio State University gets investment in student futures

The Ohio State University has received an innovative gift of $2 million from Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. Funds will support academic priorities and talent development efforts in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering.

On April 3, Ohio State faculty, staff and students gathered with Amgen representatives to recognize this collaboration and celebrate their shared commitment to “moving at the speed of tomorrow, together.”

“Ohio State looks forward to continuing to grow this strategic relationship with Amgen through interdisciplinary research and education that bring together our collective knowledge and expertise for the growth of the region and the biomanufacturing sector,” said Peter Mohler, interim executive vice president for the university’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, Amgen’s gift supports scholarships for natural and mathematical sciences majors as part of the Scarlet & Gray Advantage program, the university’s debt-free initiative. It is also funding the creation of the Amgen STEM Learning Center, a new tutoring center targeting first- and second-year students enrolled in gateway STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses. This interdisciplinary center – a first of its kind for the college – will offer peer-led tutoring focusing on first-generation representation and diversity in these fields.

“Amgen’s gift supports our efforts to transform teaching in STEM disciplines,” said David Horn, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The collaborative space and peer-led tutoring model will benefit students of all backgrounds who enter these fields and help create a diverse workforce to address tomorrow’s challenges in the Midwest and beyond.”

Amgen’s support also helps to fuel collaboration with the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) in the College of Engineering. CDME works with companies and researchers to translate new technologies into market-ready products, involving students in all phases. An integrated workforce and technology development program at CDME will offer both Ohio State and local high school students specialized training on the manufacturing equipment and processes relevant to Amgen.

“Our strengths in advanced manufacturing innovation, industry collaboration and talent development are a perfect match for Amgen’s Ohio operations,” said Ayanna Howard, dean of the College of Engineering. “Their investment and engagement with students at CDME is the epitome of a win-win.”

“We are honored to be working with The Ohio State University to help expand opportunities for students in STEM and expose them to Amgen’s world-class bio-manufacturing operations. In addition, it will provide the students the unique opportunity to have real-life experience in Amgen’s Ohio Advanced Assembly & Final Packaging Facility,” said Sandra Rodriguez-Toledo, vice president of site operations. “We look forward to engaging with students and providing opportunities to share Amgen’s culture of safety, quality and compliance.”

This gift builds on a burgeoning partnership with the university and the Columbus region. In 2021, Amgen broke ground on its final assembly and packaging plant located in New Albany. The move to the Midwest highlights the growing demand for STEM graduates – and illustrates the importance of reinforcing access to education and talent development for students of all backgrounds.

A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.