The purpose of the Heerensperger Award is to support molecular and cellular biology research in the Department of Biology. The gift for this award was originally donated to the Hope Heart Institute, a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1957 by the late Dr. Lester Sauvage, to support research and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Over the years, The Hope Heart Institute transitioned from supporting clinical research to funding prevention science research and delivering evidence based community education to equip Washington state residents to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease. The gift was transferred to the University of Washington, a long time research partner, to carry on the important work. The endowment supporting this award honors the original donors, David and Jill Heerensperger, who made the gift in 1996.