From the debris of an abandoned textile factory that represented North Carolina’s past has risen what has been touted from its founder’s first dreams as a possible key component to his adopted home state’s future.

But despite the more than $700 million of his own fortune that he has contributed to the project, high school dropout-turned-billionaire David Murdock realizes work remains to be done to ensure the future of the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis.

Thus, today’s big news that comes at 3:30 p.m. in Durham at a press conference.

“I continue to be committed to doing all I can to advance scientific research that will vastly improve the quality of life for mankind,” Murdock said in a statement ahead of the event.

“I will announce [Wednesday] the amount of my gift, but it will support the day-to-day operations of the [David H. Murdock Research Institute] maintaining the Institute as a critical engine for science. Science that will improve health and create jobs in North Carolina.”

Key words:

  • Support day-to-day operations
  • Create jobs
  • Critical engine for science

One can infer from his statement that Murdock is plowing more money he has made from his Dole Food empire into a healthier future for North Carolina and people in general plus give an economic boost.

A widower who has focused some much of his life attention on health following the death of his wife, Murdock has a fortune of some $2.4 billion according to Forbes. He is gathering today with several prominent partners – particular fromthe UNC System, N.C. State. UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke – to announce his latest gift to the NCRC and the Research Institute that is named after him.

While the amount has yet to be disclosed, the 90-year-old Murdock would not be traveling to Duke and the VIP list would not be as long as it is for something paltry.

Plus, he may have substantially more money to be able to give. After all, he recently sold his home and an entire Hawaiian island to Oracle’s Larry Ellison for an estimated $500 million. Dole also is selling off a piece of its international operations, which could generate more wealth for Murdock, who remains the company’s largest shareholder.

Yes, this could be a big, big one – perhaps on the scale to ensure its work continues to improve human health even if Murdock does not reach his stated goal of living to 125.

The Campus is a sight to behold, even though the core buildings as big and as impressive as they are remain surrounded by a great deal of vacant land. Oprah Winfrey has called the NCRC Murdock’s “gift to humanity.” 

North Carolina has responded with big commitments of its own not only from state-funded institutions but also Duke, which is private.

Murdock first announced plans for what was then called a “biopolis” in 2005. The campus opened in 2008. And the project has drawn a number of private sector partners.

But Kannapolis remains remote from nearby I-85 and just far enough from Charlotte that it has yet become a destination of choice for researchers, companies and hard-to-find scientists.

Perhaps Murdock’s new gift will lift the NCRC to an inflection point and make it a worldwide destination for many more of the best and brightest in science.

According to a spokesperson for the campus, Murdock has invested more than $131 million in the DHMRI, $35 million in the ongoing MURDOCK Study of personal health and $600 million to develop the campus.

Murdock first announced plans for what was then called a “biopolis” in 2005. The campus opened in 2008.

The biopolis remains a work in progress, but much good work has already been done there – and there can be little doubt more will come in the future as Murdock steps forward again to put his money where his heart is: Improving health.