In a continued effort by the University to attract well qualified faculty, the College of Business Administration and the College of Science this week received endowments totaling more than $1 million.

Verne M. Willamen, an alumni fellow in the College of Science, donated $1 million to the college, and Alvin H. Clemens, an alumnus, gave $250,000 to the College of Business Administration establishing the a professorship in entrepreneurial studies.

Willaman said he established a chair for the molecular and cell biology department to attract a professor whose research could improve the world.

"I've always been fascinated by the potential of scientific discovery to improve the lives of people around the world," Willamen said.

The chair will help the department become a leader in the advancing field of medicine and human health, said Gregory L. Geoffroy, dean of the College of Science.

Competition for highly qualified faculty is increasing across the nation, said Robert Bernlohr, acting head of the molecular and cell biology department. Since the Campaign for Penn State began six years ago the number of endowed faculty positions has increased from 19 to 120, according to a University statement.

"(The chair) allows us to bring in very good people into the department for research and teaching," Bernlohr said.

The entrepreneurial professorship will strengthen the department's faculty, said J.D. Hammond, dean of the College of Business Administration.

Clemens said he established the professorship to encourage entrepreneurial skills.

"There should be accredited courses developed to help students who are risk-takers and creative thinkers to learn how to start and build a new business venture," said Clemens, chief executive of the insurance company Provident America Corporation.

Hammond said Clemens' interest in entrepreneurship extends from personal experience.

Clemens has founded four insurance companies and a land-development company.