Denise & Len Redon '73

Life Sciences and Bioengineering at Gateway Park

Len Redon ’73, a WPI trustee emeritus, and his wife, Denise, have given $75,000 to support WPI’s graduate programs in the life sciences and bioengineering. In recognition of their generosity, a conference room at the university’s Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park has been named in the Redons’ honor. 

WPI’s Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park, which opened in 2007, is the hub for the university’s graduate programs in these disciplines. The Center represents WPI’s commitment to working at the forefront of the convergence of engineering and the life sciences. In this state-of-the-art facility, interdisciplinary teams are working to translate basic discoveries into new therapies and medical devices that help people live longer and better. Shared spaces, such as the Redon Conference Room, support and encourage collaboration across disciplines. 



The Redons’ gift highlights two key fundraising priorities for WPI: graduate education and academic facilities. It also reflects their long and meaningful connection to WPI. During his undergraduate years, Len Redon majored in chemical engineering and became a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and Skull honor society. He was also involved in Masque, the radio station, Newspeak, cheerleading, and Camera Club, and served as an Honors Day Convocation usher. 



After graduating, Redon began a career at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, N.Y., as a photographic product development engineer. During his 28 years with the company, Redon served as president of Qualex, a Kodak subsidiary, president of the Customer Equipment Service Division, general manager and vice president of Government and Education Markets, general manager and vice president of Markets Development for the U.S. and Canada, Kodak regional vice president in the Midwest, and assistant to the chairman and president. 



In 2001, Redon became area vice president for Paychex, Inc., the largest provider of payroll, human resource, and benefits outsourcing solutions in the United States. He was soon promoted to vice president, western operations, a position from which he recently retired. Redon credits much of his professional success to his WPI education. 



“The lessons I learned at WPI have served me well,” Redon says. “Denise and I are pleased to be able to show our gratitude by supporting the university and its graduate programs in life sciences and bioengineering.” 



Redon continued his involvement at WPI over the years, serving as a class agent and class solicitor, assisting Admissions with student recruitment, and hosting alumni events in the Rochester, N.Y., area. In 1992, he was elected to the WPI Board of Trustees and contributed his expertise on the Budget and Finance, Academic Planning, Facilities, and Student Affairs committees. He also served as vice chair of the board. Always mindful of enhancing the undergraduate experience at WPI, Redon established the 



Trustee Mentor Program, which pairs trustees with current students to share personal and professional experiences. Redon served on the board until 2010 and continues his involvement as a trustee emeritus.