Stowers Institute Co-founder Awarded Honorary Degree from the University of Missouri

Kansas City, Mo. (Dec. 19, 2006) – James E. Stowers Jr., co-founder of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa from the University of Missouri - Columbia during the commencement ceremony on December 15, 2006.

     Mr. Stowers is a graduate of the University. He earned an A.B. in 1947 and a B.S. in Medicine in 1949.

     Of the honor, Brady Deaton, Chancellor of the University of Missouri-Columbia wrote, “Your willingness to believe in others and your reputation as a ‘friend to the small investor’ has led you to national and international prominence in the financial industry. Your commitment to finding a cure for genetically based diseases has made you a hero to many.”

     In his acceptance of the honorary degree, Mr. Stowers told more than 500 graduates who represented 15 schools and colleges, “You can always do more than you think you can, and I want you to remember that.”

     Mr. Stowers founded American Century Investments in 1958. Today, the company employs 1,800 people and manages $100 billion in assets for 2 million shareholders.

     In 1994, Mr. Stowers and his wife, Virginia, founded the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. As cancer survivors, the Stowers wanted to give future generations better medical options when faced with serious illness. Since their initial gift of $50 million in American Century stock, the Stowers have contributed several larger gifts and took an active role in designing the current 600,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, and are working on plans for a 600,000 square-foot expansion. The Institute's endowment is currently worth more than $2 billion.

     The Institute aspires to be one of the most innovative biomedical research organizations in the world. Stowers scientists conduct basic research on genes and proteins that control fundamental processes in living cells to unlock the mysteries of disease and find the keys to their causes, treatment, and prevention.

     “Jim and Virginia are a constant source of inspiration for those of us fortunate enough to work with them,” said William B. Neaves, Stowers Institute President and CEO. “This recognition of Jim’s life’s work by his alma mater is richly deserved, and I know it means a great deal to him.”

About the Stowers Institute
     Housed in a 600,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility on a 10-acre campus in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research conducts basic research on fundamental processes of cellular life. Through its commitment to collaborative research and the use of cutting-edge technology, the Institute seeks more effective means of preventing and curing disease. The Institute was founded by Jim and Virginia Stowers, two cancer survivors who have created combined endowments of $2 billion in support of basic research of the highest quality.