The David and Lucile Packard Foundation remembers the extraordinary life of Donald Kennedy, former Trustee of the Foundation who passed away on April 21, 2020, at the age of 88. He served on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 2005 through 2013.

Kennedy was a neurobiologist, educator, and public servant, who championed scientific integrity and was an important voice for the environment. “With his depth and breadth of knowledge in the sciences, his deep commitment to environmental issues, and his broad experience in building institutions, Don brought wisdom at every level to our work at the Foundation,” says Susan Orr, Packard Foundation Trustee and former Board Chair. “He reminded us again of the joy of friendship that comes with working together on things that matter in this world.”

Kennedy was the eighth president of Stanford University, transforming it into one of the nation’s top research universities. He also served as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 1977 to 1979 and as editor-in-chief of Science, the weekly journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, from 2000 to 2008.

The Foundation remembers and celebrates Kennedy’s dynamic leadership and thoughtful public service. Recent articles in the New York Times and Science eloquently highlight his life.