August 5, 2005
NSU Acquires Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research
FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, FL— Nova Southeastern University (NSU) today announced that it has acquired the assets of the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research (RGI), a non-profit organization established in 1959 to foster research and the development of anti-cancer therapies. The transaction will allow for broader collaborations in basic and translational research, and an increase in the volume of funded research being conducted at RGI.
“The decision to acquire RGI fits perfectly into our university-wide strategic plan to promote and carry out research that will improve and save lives,” said Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D., President, NSU. “The influx of NSU scientists in different health-related disciplines, the state-of-the-art equipment and new ideas will serve to enhance and augment the excellent work already being done at RGI.”
Richard Dix, Ph.D., an experienced NIH-funded virologist and Director of Research for NSU’s College of Optometry, has been named the new director of RGI.
RGI was established by Joel Warren, Ph.D., on the campus of a small, relatively young institution of higher education in Davie, Florida. Today, that institution is Nova Southeastern University, the eighth largest non-profit independent university in the nation with more than 25,000 students. For some, this re-joining of RGI and NSU is a homecoming.
Dr. Nell Lewis, chair of RGI’s board of trustees said: “our board is pleased with the opportunity this will provide for the expansion of the promising work being done at RGI. Furthermore, we are delighted that the Royal Dames of Cancer Research, which have generously supported the cancer institute since 1969, are going to continue to support RGI as its operations are integrated with those of the university.”
Through annual fundraising events the Royal Dames have raised millions of dollars to support the vital research being conducted at the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute. The Royal Dames are best known for their annual "Tiara Ball," one of the most successful and prestigious events in South Florida.
“We are becoming a large community of those who have been touched by cancer, whether directly or indirectly. The work being done by RGI has the potential to impact thousands upon thousands of patients and their loved ones,” said Robin Hirschman, president of the Royal Dames. “ As we begin to plan our marquee annual event, the Royal Dames are looking forward to working with NSU to make this worthwhile event as successful as possible.”
