Through the last decade, the Friends have increased membership to some 40 members from South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania suburbs, representing numerous professional and volunteer fields. Several elsewhere in the U.S. maintain associate memberships. A number of Friends have served on Coriell's Board of Trustees and/or as chairpersons of Institute-sponsored events.

Projects have changed through the years, yet the Friends continue to introduce dynamic leaders at what has come to be known as the "Coriell Luncheon" supporting the Institute's work: former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop; Pennsylvania Blue Cross/Blue Shield President Fred DiBono; and Dr. Arthur Caplan, President of the Bioethics Center at the University of Pennsylvania. The Coriell Medal for distinguished scientific achievement and public service is presented at the Luncheon.

The Friends' goals go beyond bringing recognition, financial, and other support to the Institute to building and nurturing health, scientific knowledge, and young scientists. For instance, the organization has hosted three Sports Days. It also presents The Kelemen Teachers Symposium every other year, a popular program introducing teachers to up-to-date developments in genetic research, discoveries, and treatments.

Since 1996, the Friends have also produced an annual Coriell Institute Science Fair (CISF). This fair, featuring individual and group scientific projects developed by sixth through twelfth grade students in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties, New Jersey, is among 14 feeder fairs to the Delaware Valley Science Fair. The latter leads to the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Much of the Friends' energy is targeted at such ambitious activities. Yet the organization also holds small fund raisers year-round and features Institute scientists at monthly meetings.

The organization welcomes all interested members. Dues are $30.00 per year. For further information, please contact Pauline Javorski at (856) 757-4830.