MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On September 12th, members of the Michigan State University Foundation, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the addition of VanCamp Incubator and Research Labs.

The newly constructed scientific facility is located near Ellison Brewery on Dawn Avenue in Meridian Township. The building is dedicated in honor of microbiologist and researcher Loretta VanCamp, whose research efforts contributed to the development of the anti-cancer drug, Cisplatin.

Jeff Smith, Director of University Corporate Research Park at MSU Foundation, held a tour through the building for those who attended, including the Foundation's Board members and Advisory Board members. Throughout the tour, people saw many laboratories and conference rooms.

When asked about the facility, Director Smith, discussed that it will spur economic activity in biological sciences and corporate and start-up innovation activities. He also looks forward to sharing the facility's resources towards networking with other companies.

Michigan State University's 21st President Dr. Samuel Stanley Jr. and Township officials including Trustee Patricia Herring Jackson and Economic Development Director Chris Buck as well as 69th State Representative Julie Brixie were also in attendance.

The family of Loretta VanCamp spoke about their mother's memories and scientific contributions. Two Michigan State Alumni members and cancer survivors, commended the VanCamp family for their mother's work towards the drug Cisplatin, for saving their lives and look forward to the facility's scientific research towards treating illnesses and saving lives.

Aaryn D. Richard, Michigan State Foundation's Communications Manager, described the event as a great opportunity to welcome innovators and entrepreneurs to grow their start-ups and research contribution.

Finally, the VanCamp family, President Stanley, members of the MSU Foundation and MSU Alumni members gathered in front of the building to cut the ribbon to welcome VanCamp Incubator and Research Labs to the community.