Honorary degrees awarded to Chu
and McSwain at commencement 2001

A College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumnus who is one of the nation’s top cancer researchers and a distinguished College benefactor were among six individuals receiving honorary degrees at the N.C. State University Commencement in May. Honored were Dr. T. Ming Chu, who received his N.C. State master’s degree in 1965, and Ruby Vann Crumpler McSwain, one of the state’s leading business leaders and philanthropists.

Chu, of Buffalo, N.Y., discovered prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and developed a prostate cancer detection test based on PSA that saves thousands of lives worldwide each year. He is director of cancer research and chairman of the Diagnostic Immunology Research and Biochemistry Department at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y.

McSwain, of Sanford, has been instrumental to the growth of many College programs, including the JC Raulston Arboretum’s public education building, which will be named in her honor. She also has donated 300 acres and a historic house in Sanford to establish the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service’s Lee County Center.

— Staff