Penn Valley's David R. King Presented with Honorary Degree from University of the Sciences

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L to R: Dr. William G. Cunningham, dean of students; degree recipient Dr. David R. King; Univ. President Dr. Philip P. Gerbino; Board Vice Chairman Marvin Samson; and Dr. Russell J. DiGate, provost.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (03/03/2011)(readMedia)-- University of the Sciences bestowed an honorary doctor of science degree on David R. King, venture partner with Quaker BioVentures, as part of its Founders' Day ceremony on Feb. 17, 2011. King was selected as the honorary degree recipient in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, and for his continued dedication to innovation and excellence.

King, a stalwart in the Philadelphia biotechnology arenas, is currently a venture partner with Quaker BioVentures, a venture capital firm, dedicated to investing in life science companies in the Mid-Atlantic region and contiguous states. He is also executive chairman of Diasome Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is developing a unique treatment of diabetes, chairman of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association, and is a director of the University City Science Center in Philadelphia.

For over 25 years, King was with Morgan Lewis, one of the country's largest and most prominent law firms, where he created and was a leader of the venture capital and emerging business practice before leaving for industry positions. King, who received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from Harvard Law School, for many years served on the advisory board of the Snider Entrepreneurial Center of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. He has also been active in BIO, and was co-chair of the program committee for the 2005 BIO Annual International Convention in Philadelphia.

In 2009, King received the Raymond Rafferty Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from the Mid-Atlantic Capital Alliance in recognition of his long career in the life sciences. King was also the winner of Ernst & Young's regional Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the life sciences category in 2005.

Founders' Day recalls the University's establishment on February 23, 1821, by 68 prominent Philadelphia apothecaries. The day commemorates the growth of Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP) from a small college into a vibrant university that has a rich tradition of producing leaders who shape new dimensions of professionalism, pharmacy, and healthcare.

At University of the Sciences, students embark on a challenging learning experience in a proving ground for successful professionals in the science and healthcare-related fields. A private institution dedicated to education, research, and service, and distinguished as the nation's first college of pharmacy, the University has produced leaders in the science and healthcare marketplaces since its founding in 1821. Students in USciences' five colleges learn to excel in scientific analysis and to apply their skills to improving healthcare in the lives of people worldwide through such disciplines as pharmacy, biology, physical therapy, healthcare business, and health policy. For more information, visit usciences.edu.

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