This is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank these very special people for their leadership, dedication and generosity to DRI. The support we receive from the private sector has been critical to both our growth and success.

Nate Cooper, who no longer lives in Nevada, received his award at a Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents' meeting in February. A former DRI administrator in Las Vegas, Cooper is being recognized for his stewardship of a gift to DRI from the estate of Sulo and Aileen Maki of approximately $20 million.

Nazir Ansari, a DRI Trustee, and his wife Mary, both of Reno, have funded the Nazir and Mary Ansari Chair in Entrepreneurialism and Science in addition to the Nazir and Mary Ansari Medal for Excellence in Science at DRI. These awards recognize outstanding DRI faculty members in addition to funding their research and lectures.

Kenneth G. Ladd, of Las Vegas, is the Regional President of US Bank. He is the immediate past president of the DRI Research Foundation, where he led efforts to provide critical funding for the recently completed Maxey addition on the Reno campus.