Leaving a Legacy for Laboratory Learning

Alan Janos '71 marvels at the way chemistry at Kenyon has evolved since his time as a student, with Professor Owen York as his advisor. Today, students are much more hands-on and research-focused in their inquiry, as Kenyon's reputation in the sciences has grown with President Sean Decatur, a biochemist, at the helm.

Yet, there is no doubt that Alan's own lab experience served him well, as he went on to a more than four-decade career as principal scientist with the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), a nonprofit research and development organization with a focus on the natural gas industry.

It wasn't long after Alan started at GTI that he started giving to the Kenyon Fund, recognizing that he was able to give back, even at a young age. As he progressed in his career, he sought ways to do more, first by establishing a scholarship in honor of his parents, Adeline Schenold Janos and Andrew George Janos, who weren't able to attend college. "That's something I can put my finger on and say, 'Yes, I created that.' This is something I feel good about doing, in addition to my gifts to the Kenyon Fund," he says.

More recently, after discussing giving options with members of Kenyon's advancement staff and an estate attorney, Alan decided to include Kenyon in his will.

His bequest will go to an endowed fund in his name to support the chemistry department. "I wanted the money to go to enhance the classroom experience and more specifically to benefit individual students studying chemistry," he says. "I do feel I'm paying back a little for the things I learned there."

Just like Alan, you too can invest in the future of Kenyon students and the things you are passionate about. To learn more about ways you can make a difference contact Kate Daleiden at 740-427-5729 or plannedgiving@kenyon.edu.