Distinguished Lecturer Series Presents Discussion of Life-Extending Research
—Lecture to be held at William Paterson University on March 15

Raymond Gilmartin, Lee Babiss and Peter Tarassoff, leading figures in New Jersey’s pharmaceutical industry, will discuss research aimed at dramatically expanding and improving life and longevity currently being conducted by the state’s pharmaceutical companies and medical technology industries when they speak as part of the Distinguished Lecturer Series at William Paterson University on March 15.

A limited number of single tickets may be available at the Shea Center Box Office on March 11. For ticket availability, and to purchase single tickets, please call the box office at 973-720-2371 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; prices are $26 standard; $24 for senior citizens, William Paterson faculty, staff and alumni; $10 for William Paterson students; and $14 for students from other schools. All lectures begin at 8 p.m. in Shea Center on campus; parking is free.

Raymond Gilmartin, the chairman and CEO of Merck, Dr. Lee Babiss, Hoffmann-LaRoche’s vice president of preclinical research and development, and Dr. PeterTarassoff, director of medical affairs, oncology, for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, will be the guest speakers. After an introduction by Gilmartin that sets the stage by outlining the research, Babiss and Tarassoff will explain the scientific efforts of extending and improving life. New Jersey attracts half of the world’s total pharmaceutical research dollars and 40 percent of the past decade’s new drugs have been developed by New Jersey pharmaceutical companies. The discussion reveals a new area of medicine and its impacts on the health of future generations.

Gilmartin, an active participant in health industry affairs, is chairman of the Healthcare Institute of New Jersey and past chairman of the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America, where he now serves on the executive committee. Babiss is responsible for developing and directing the research strategy for Hoffmann-LaRoche and serves as a member of its Pharma Leadership Board. He is also a member of the Global Genetics Board. A medical doctor, Tarassoff is a Lt. Col. (ret.), Medical Corps, U.S. Army Reserves and has had a leading role in all aspects of drug development during his career both in the military and in private industry.

William Paterson’s Distinguished Lecture Series is presented by the William Paterson University Foundation, the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Programming Board. Distinguished Partners include: Automatic Data Processing, Inc., and Merck & Co., Inc. Benefactors include: BAE SYSTEMS-CNI; Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.; Interchange Bank; Nicholas Martini Foundation; Pfizer; PSE&G; Record/Herald News; Tyco Capital; and the William Paterson University Alumni Association. Patrons include: Aventis Pharmaceuticals; Bacon & Graham; Castrol; Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc.; Uniqema/Paterson; and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Sponsors include: AAA-NJ Automobile Club; Becton Dickinson & Co.; Bograd’s; Bristol-Myers Squib; Commerce Bank; The Dime Savings Bank of New York, FSB; Barbara and Robert Evans; Facile Holdings, Inc.; Joan and Robert Ferris; First Institutional Securities, LLC; Gerber & Samson, Attorneys; ITT Avionics; JVC Americas Corp.; McBride Enterprises, Inc.; Minolta; The Opper Group; Passaic County Educational Council; Resort Condominiums International, A Cendant Company; Leon and Paula Rosenblum; Daryl and Stephen Roth; State Farm Insurance Companies; Toshiba America Consumer Products, Inc.; United Water New Jersey; United Yarn Products Company, Inc.; Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company; and Verizon.

2/26/02
For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966