The Merck Institute for Science Education is the grateful recipient of several awards that recognize aspects of the Institute's work. These include the ones described below.

Ron Brown Presidential Award for Corporate Leadership
May 2001

Distinguished Achievement Award
John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce
     Development
May 2001

Commitment to Education Award
Union County Educational Services Foundation
March 2001

Merck & Co., Inc., along with Alcoa Inc. and United Parcel Service, received the only Presidential Award to recognize companies for corporate leadership and citizenship through outstanding achievements in employee and community relations. Merck was recognized for its long-term commitment to science education through the Merck Institute for Science Education (MISE). Its programs are designed to strengthen teachers' knowledge of science and education, provide access to exemplary curriculum materials, and support policies at the local, state and national levels that promote science education. Fully funded by the private sector, the award is named in honor of the late United States Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown.

The White House and United States Department of Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans recognized the winners at ceremonies in May at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. "I am honored to present the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership," Commerce Secretary Evans said. "The companies here today do more than just run a business or make a profit — they change the direction of people's lives by improving their neighborhoods, communities and environment."

Ken Frazier, Merck Senior Vice President and General Counsel, accepted the Ron Brown Award on behalf of the Company. He told the group that independent analyses by external evaluators indicate that science in our partner classrooms is being done the way scientists at Merck do science — that is, engaged and excited about pushing the frontiers of knowledge. "Students are asking questions, gathering data and testing their hypotheses. The excitement in our classrooms is the result of teachers who are far more skilled and comfortable in teaching science." He concluded by acknowledging the "visionary work of Dr. Carlo Parravano, head of the Institute, and his team, along with our school and teaching partners, in helping our students discover that science is a wonderful adventure, filled with excitement and surprises along the way." Mr. Frazier added, "We are fiercely proud of their achievements and we are honored to call them colleagues."

For additional information, see the home page for the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership. The announcement of the award to Merck & Co., Inc. by the Conference Board can be found at their web page listing the 2000-2001 award recipients.

The Merck Institute for Science Education (MISE) was honored in May of 2001 with a Distinguished Achievement Award from the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University. MISE won the award in the category of "Strengthening Connections Between School and the Workplace." The award recognizes companies that have established meaningful partnerships with the education system (K-12 or higher-education institutions) and cited MISE for work that "is essential to improving standards of living for America's workers, creating new opportunities for employers, and strengthening social and civic institutions."

The award was presented to Carlo Parravano, Ph.D., MISE Executive Director, by Carl Van Horn, Director of the Heldrich Center, and Bob Franks, Honorary Chair, Heldrich Awards Advisory Board.

The Union County Educational Services Foundation (UCESF) honored Merck with its sixth annual corporate Commitment to Education Award for the efforts of the Merck Institute for Science Education (MISE). Dr. Carlo Parravano, MISE Executive Director, accepted the award on behalf of Merck at a dinner reception attended by more than 200 New Jersey community leaders and educators, including New Jersey's Commissioner of Education, Vito Gagliardi.

Serving all 21 municipalities in Union County, UCESF provides funding for educational programs and services for disabled and non-disabled students who cannot be served in a regular classroom setting or in existing special education programs.