Home: New York City
Degrees: B.S., chemistry, Union, 1949; M.B.A, economics, NYU, 1960; LL.D., Honorary, Union, 1983
Profession: Chairman and co-founder, Galen Associates, New York City, a $1 billion venture capital firm. Working full time, he also serves on the boards of five public companies.
Why I do the work I do: "The firm has helped to create interesting medical devices, services and drugs for society. I like building effective management teams. I've always had a diverse intellectual curiosity, an eclectic curiosity."
Latest achievement: Donated substantial free time and funds for support of inner city public schools; recently established a grant for poetry. "The best way to communicate with children is poetry. They come out of their shadows, but you must participate."
Faculty member who had the greatest impact: "Dr. Howard Sheffer. I never would have gotten through chemistry without him."
Union honors: Alumni Gold Medal, 1999; Alumni Trustee 1962-70; Term Trustee 1970-73, 1984-92; Trustee Emeritus
Memorable Union moments: "Making the winning basket against Trinity in my last basketball game. Going on lacrosse trips; Coach Fred Wyatt always thought we were better than we were. We lost one game 23-0. Unfortunately, I was the goal tender."
Best college friend: "Byron George '49, a Theta Delta who lived in the DU house, a generous person with a great sense of humor who could also play my favorite songs on the piano. Other great souls include Dick Roberts, Ken Whalen, Clem Tomlins, Bert Napear, Jim Pemrick, Joe Fucigna, Bob Bartlett, Dutch Van Eysden, Jim Gallagher and so many more. Good old friends are one of the few advantages of getting older."
Legacy on campus: Established the W. Grant Endowment Fund and William V. and Adelaide M. Grant Memorial Scholarship; funded rehabilitation of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house, now called Grant Hall.
Hobbies: Singles tennis, paddle tennis, squash, golf; reading histories.
Words to live by: "Family, friends and faith: the stability for a balanced life."