“It’s an exciting time to support this work at the University of Washington,” Parker says. “I have read so much in the newspapers recently about the genetic sequencing of humans and other organisms. I hope this gift will help encourage researchers to do the work they do. I look forward to seeing the development of new treatments and possibly cures for some of the world’s deadliest diseases.”

Professor Stan Fields, acting chair of the department, said, “It is very inspiring to receive support from alumni such as Mr. Parker. These funds will give us the opportunity to initiate the study of new, unexplored ideas and leverage the results of our research to secure other sources of funding, such as grants from the National Institutes of Health.”

Parker, who was born in Seattle in 1911, went to Harvard Business School after graduating from the University of Washington. During World War II he served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as lieutenant colonel. He then moved to San Francisco, where he had a successful career in the food industry specializing in food manufacturing machinery. He continues to live in San Francisco.