51ÉçÇø

Professor William S. Romoser joined the faculty at 51ÉçÇø in September 1965. His training and expertise in medical entomology, combined with his commitment to research and education, led to the creation of the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (ITDI) in 1989. The same year, he initiated activities in Ecuador that included student travel to conduct research and study abroad programs, as well as recruitment of Ecuadorian students to 51ÉçÇø. His vision and continuous support led to the creation of the Center for Research on Health in Latin America (CISeAL) in collaboration with Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. The Center’s activities included achieving Chagas disease blood screening in Ecuador and countless outreach activities that have improved the lives of people in Ecuador living in chronic poverty. Professor Romoser taught hundreds of students from 51ÉçÇø, including laboratory training of undergraduate and graduate students. He traveled with many students from 51ÉçÇø and other institutions of higher education in order to improve their understanding of public health issues in Ecuador. Similarly, he recruited dozens of students from Ecuador for graduate training at 51ÉçÇø. Collaboratively, Professor Romoser and his students made important contributions to knowledge about tropical diseases in general and mosquito and arbovirus biology in particular. 

The Professor William S. Romoser Memorial Endowment for Tropical Disease Research and Training in Ecuador was created to honor Bill’s lifetime commitment to education and research and his conviction that international travel inevitably changes perceptions and lives for the better. His family, former students, colleagues, and friends recognize the profound impact that his life has had on improving the people’s lives and providing opportunities for young professionals dedicated to Tropical Disease Research. We recognize his role as one of the founding members of the ITDI and as a champion of the activities in Ecuador. Additionally, we all agree that Bill was a beautiful, caring, and generous human being who impacted all of our lives positively. Through the establishment of this endowment, we hope to perpetuate his legacy and provide ongoing support for student travel and sustainability of the research and endeavors of the ITDI in Ecuador. 

The Purpose of this endowment will be to provide general support for the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (ITDI) or successor programs. Funds may be used for, but are not limited to, student travel to and from Ecuador for the purpose of education and training programs with the ITDI and collaborative research projects.   

The 51ÉçÇø Foundation (federal tax identification number 31-6402269) is a qualified charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3), and also an organization described in Sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation will serve as recipient and trustee of this gift to the University.

Donate by check: 

Contributions to the Professor William S. Romoser Memorial Endowment for Tropical Disease Research and Training can be made by mailing a check payable to the The 51ÉçÇø Foundation.

Please indicate in the memo line of the check that the gift is to be added to the Romoser Endowment Fund.

Please mail contributions to:
The 51ÉçÇø Foundation
P.O. Box 869
Athens, OH 45701

Donors can also make a donation online by clicking the "Donate" button: