Giving to Engineering

Endowed Gifts

Ken Yun and Jim Plummer

A broad perspective – Ken Yun

The Department of Bioengineering sets a new standard for broad collaboration across traditional boundaries. So does Ken Yun, PhD '94, the first major donor to the new department.

Ken received his degree in electrical engineering, and with his sister Kay went on to found a successful semiconductor company, YuniNetworks. When it was acquired Ken wanted to give back to the university that helped launch his career. But rather than fund a program related to semiconductors, he looked beyond his core field to support the evolution of engineering, by funding two graduate fellowships in bioengineering.

"Over the past few years, we've been seeing a fusion of electrical engineering and biology applications, a trend that clearly points to the future of technology in the biosciences," says Yun, now a professor of electrical and computer sciences at the University of California, San Diego.

Fellowship support for the new department promises to have a significant impact on a field still in its infancy. By applying an engineering approach to understanding biological processes, the new department's research and teaching will eventually lead to powerful new technologies and therapies. But this effort requires long-term support for the people who will make it happen.

Ken's commitment extends beyond the campus as well. A native of South Korea whose family immigrated to Colorado when he was 18, he has also endowed a lectureship in the university's Overseas Studies Program. By taking such a broad, forward-looking approach in his philanthropy, Ken hopes to help Stanford not only through his substantial gifts, but by his example as well.

Find out more by contacting a member of our development team.