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.