The Business of Giving

Exploring philanthropy, non-profits and socially motivated business, from the Gates Foundation to your donation. A fresh look at the economy of good intentions.

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December 3, 2010 at 4:40 PM

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Video: Paul Allen talks more about the WSU gift

Posted by Kristi Heim

My story today on Paul Allen's historic $26 million donation to Washington State University touched on WSU's global ambitions in the field of animal health. Allen talked with reporters more about why he made the gift and how he's doing following treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Allen said the issue of animal health in Africa resonated with him since he has been spending more time there. His donation bested Bill Gates by $1 million. Was there a little rivalry going on? Allen says no. But his name is the one going on the building.

If Seattle has a reputation for research into human diseases, Pullman's land-grant university roots and agricultural economy are tied to plants and animals. Since many new diseases jump from animals to people, the fields are increasingly linked and expertise in both could be a powerful combination for the state.