Nathan Klarer ’14 and Taylor Klarer ’13
As the first donors to name a space within the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering's undergraduate lab expansion project, alumni couple Nathan Klarer '14 and Taylor Klarer '13 are investing in a touchstone for connection for bioengineering students for years to come.
Donor couple Nathan Klarer ’14 and Taylor Klarer ’13 met while attending UC San Diego’s Eleanor Roosevelt College, inspired by the charge of forwarding international connection and global understanding. Nathan is a Jacobs School of Engineering alumnus, while Taylor majored in international studies and history. “As we look across history and the world, there are commonalities across time, across people and across places,” Taylor recalls. Now married with a young daughter, the couple draws value from their time at UC San Diego as a touchstone, keeping them grounded and engaged with their community at large.
The alumni couple is now growing this connection to their university by supporting the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering's undergraduate lab expansion project within Powell-Focht Bioengineering Hall, an initiative that will more than double the department's main lab and triple the space for undergraduate cell culture. With a gift of $25,000, Nathan and Taylor will name the undergraduate lab's teaching administration office, which will be commonly known as the Klarer Family Teaching and Learning Office. The Klarer's gift will support a state-of-the-art facility that allows bioengineering, biotechnology and biosystems students to thrive. It is the first UC San Diego facility that encompasses a bioelectronics innovation lab, tissue culture lab, and a vivarium all in one.
The inspiration to support UC San Diego, specifically Nathan’s home department, stems from the Klarer family’s shared values of connecting with others, forwarding excellence in education and supporting strong scholarship for the future. “As a UC San Diego alumnus, I found a lot of value came from spaces on campus where I was able to connect with others — whether that was with TA’s or students — and collaborate, grow and learn,” shares Nathan, recollecting on meaningful aspects of his personal experience. He believes in the power of philanthropy for individuals, families and fellow Tritons and was inspired to support the growth, innovation and excellence of the school’s newest space on campus.
This is not the first time Nathan Klarer has supported new beginnings. His entrepreneurial work building the Klarer International Business Group is motivated by and grounded in the support of communities, often pursuing new business ventures in developing economies where capital can be deployed effectively to generate civilizational advancement. "I believe that our donation will facilitate the development of new, talented, bioengineers poised to develop advanced therapeutics and new biotechnologies that will define our future technological landscape." stated Nathan.
Nathan and Taylor Klarer believe that giving to UC San Diego is an opportunity to express their personal values, focusing on the things they care for most as a family. Their philanthropic contribution marks the growth of an increasingly interconnected community, and a touchstone for the students in the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, for years to come.
To inquire about aligning your Triton values in support of the Jacobs School of Engineering, please contact Madison Lyle, Associate Director of Development at m1lyle@ucsd.edu or (858) 424-1450.