Seed a better future

John Diekman, PhD, understands how to nurture achievement: gather intellect and ingenuity and seed it with funding. He’s successfully done that throughout his career while leading life sciences investment firms 5AM Ventures and Bay City Capital.

He and his wife, Sue, a former director of the AirTouch Communications Foundation, follow the same strategy toward success in their support of Scripps Research. Over the years they’ve made many gifts of appreciated stock and cash to further scientific investigation at the world-renowned institute. And they’ve been pleased to witness the many research breakthroughs, novel technologies and translational medicines that helped lead the institute to being ranked #1 in the world for its influence on innovation.

Both John and Sue recognize the value of nurturing scientific enthusiasm. Several years ago, they made a gift of $100,000 to endow a summer fellowship, enabling a high school or middle school science teacher to step into a Scripps laboratory and learn modern research techniques that can be carried back to the classroom. They were also among the first to contribute to the institute’s campaign to endow its nationally ranked graduate program. These gifts will have a positive impact on generations to come.

Currently serving a second term as Chairman of the Board, Diekman makes it his mission to keep the institute pointed toward continued success. He and Sue are ensuring that mission succeeds beyond their lifetimes by including the institute in their estate planning. They know that the work they do now is seeding a better future.