$10M UA bio institute donor revealed
Summary:
A 1962 University of Arizona dropout has been revealed as the secret $10 million donor to the UA Institute for Biomedical Science and Biotechnology.
Full Story:
Thomas W. Keating, a Tucsonan who earned his fortune through a family security-guard business, was announced as the donor during groundbreaking ceremonies on Friday for three major UA science buildings.
According to the Arizona Daily Star, Keating studied engineering, agriculture, and business at UA before dropping out in 1962 to help run the family business. The company had grown from 120 employees to 19,000 by the time he sold it. Keating returned to UA two years ago to earn his bachelor's degree at age 58.
The Institute's $65.7-million building will be named the Thomas W. Keating BioResearch Building. Other new buildings celebrated Friday include the $54-million Medical Research Building and the $30-million Roy P. Drachman Hall.
Keating is a member of the Institute's board of advisors and the UA Foundation board of directors.
For more information:
"One-time 'frat boy' is benefactor behind $10M UA donation," Arizona Daily Star, 10/8/2003
"Former UA dropout donates $10 million," Arizona Daily Wildcat, 11/10/2003