University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
The Messenger
Vol. 5, No. 1/1995
Recognition: A Special Report
Gore family: Long-time supporters of UD

     A 1959 University of Delaware alumnus, Robert W. Gore is
president of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., international high-
technology manufacturers of electronic, medical, industrial and
fabrics products. Gore patented a method of insulating electronic
cable when he was an engineering student at UD. His parents,
Genevieve W. and the late Wilbert L. Gore, co-founded the
family's business in the basement of their home, a business in
which Vieve Gore continues to be active. Bob went on to discover
a method of expanding the polymer PTFE, which led to GORE-TEX 
products.
     Bill and Vieve Gore were awarded University of Delaware
Medals of Distinction in 1983, at a ceremony where then Vice
President George W. Bush also was honored.
     A member of the UD Alumni Wall of Fame, Bob Gore has served
on the University's Board of Trustees since 1992, and is a past
member of the Board of Directors of the University of Delaware
Research Foundation. His wife, Sarah I. (Sally) Gore, received a
master's degree in education from the UD in 1976, and three of
their children are UD graduates.
     Previously, family members have made substantial gifts
across three of the University's colleges, as well as to the
University of Delaware Research Foundation. Gifts have included
support for the Colburn Laboratory Campaign, the Gore
Entrepreneurial Scholarships in the College of Business and
Economics, the College of Human Resources, various departments in
the College of Engineering and fellowship and scholarship
programs.