IUSM’s Fort Wayne Center receives Lutheran Foundation grant

$2 million ‘seed money’ will establish cardiovascular research center

By Meg Mettler

Economic development in northeastern Indiana is expected to benefit from the IUSM research presence.

The grant to the Indiana University School of Medicine-Fort Wayne Center to establish the Northern Indiana Cardiovascular Research and Education Center was approved at the foundation’s annual meeting on Oct. 24.

The funding will enable the school to recruit a director for a research program based at the center, scientists, technicians and equipment. As the research program grows, so will the alliances among local medical institutions. Economic development in northeastern Indiana also is expected to benefit because of the IUSM research presence.

“We believe this seed money will make it possible for IUSM’s Fort Wayne Center to become stronger partners in future research alliances in northeast Indiana, and this certainly can promote the state’s economic growth and the development of new therapies, drugs and devices to help cardiovascular patients,” said Marcia Haaff, executive director of the Lutheran Foundation.

“A program such as this can make our center an effective spoke in IUSM’s research hub that is emerging in Indianapolis,” said Barth Ragatz, assistant dean and director of the Fort Wayne Center, referring to the school’s vision of expanding its campuses’ participation in the emerging life sciences industry and research associated with the IU-based Indiana Genomics Initiative.

A fund was established at the Lutheran Foundation in February 1998 with proceeds from the estate of Francis Alene Collins. The grant for cardiovascular research fits the original intent of Collins bequest. In addition, one of the primary areas of emphasis for the Lutheran Foundation is health, and approving this grant fulfills the mission.

In addition to Fort Wayne, IUSM has campuses in Lafayette, Evansville, Muncie, Bloomington, Terre Haute, Gary, South Bend and Indianapolis. Students can attend their first two years at these campuses, but must complete their final two years at the Indianapolis campus. The IUSM is the second largest medical school in the United States. The Lutheran Foundation was established in 1995 as a result of the sale of Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Since then, the foundation has awarded more than $49 million through grants and charitable activities to congregations and non-profit organizations in northeast Indiana.

http://www.medicine.indiana.edu