John Jurenko co-founded local fiber networking and telecommunications heavyweight Adtran in 1985, but it was his and wife Ruth’s philanthropic efforts that carved their lasting legacy within the Huntsville community.

Jurenko Way, off Moquin Drive and leading into the campus of HudsonAlpha Institute of BioTechnology, was christened during a ceremony Thursday morning in Cummings Research Park.

The Jurenkos were well-known philanthropists, including supporting HudsonAlpha from its early days. John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease before his death, and the Jurenkos threw their generous support behind efforts to battle the disease.

“Jurenko Way is not just a road, it’s a symbol,’’ daughter Carole (Jurenko) Jones said. “It represents perseverance, commitment, courage, and most of all, love. Our mom and dad refused to let a diagnosis define them and instead chose to create meaning out of hardship and to serve others even when their burden was heavy.

“So as we dedicate this road, we also extend an invitation to remember their story, to be inspired by their example, and to walk your own path with the same compassion and conviction they showed every day. My parents would be deeply honored and humbled.’’

A memorial gift from the Jurenko Foundation – represented by Jones and husband George “Buddy” Jones – subsidized the dedication. Carole is a former ambassador of HudsonAlpha and Buddy serves on the Foundation’s board of directors.

Also representing the family was Carole’s sister Janet (Jurenko) Brown and husband David Brown. Speakers included Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, HudsonAlpha President Dr. Neil Lamb and former AlphaHudson COO Danny Windham.

John Jurenko died at the age of 80 in 2015 and Ruth aged 84 in 2023.

“We dedicate this road, Jurenko Way, as a tribute to them, a couple who walked every step of the journey together,’’ Janet Brown said. “When my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s it was a life changing moment, but it wasn’t the end of anything. If anything, it was the beginning of something extraordinary. He poured himself into research, advocacy and hope.

“Together, my mom and dad dedicated themselves to supporting the incredible work being done here at HudsonAlpha and to helping others navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s. Because of their love of HudsonAlpha, we are so happy their name will be a permanent part of the HudsonAlpha campus.’’

Jurenko Way is between Genome Way and McMillian Way off Moquin Drive.

“John and Ruth and their early support of our research in Parkinson’s and their support of our education program and of our cancer research, (down) to their daughters – this support is an incredible example of the impact that one family’s giving can have on an organization,’’ Lamb said. “And this is not just financial support, but it’s on the ground, hands on work.’’

Windham recalled how John Jurenko met with the CEO of Serina Therapeutics, which was an associate company at HudsonAlpha and challenged them, asking if their technology “could be adapted to help Parkinson’s patients? The outcome of that discussion led to the development of SIR 214, which is a drug that is in a clinical trial.’’

Once approved, added Windham, “It’s going to be a game changer for how we treat Parkinson’s disease.’’

John Jurenko, Lonnie McMillian and Mark C. Smith founded Adtran in 1985. McMillian and Jim Hudson later founded HudsonAlpha. Meanwhile, Joseph C. Moquin and Milton K. Cummings co-founded Brown Engineering, the first tenant of what was then Huntsville Research Park.

“I think it’s especially appropriate that Jurenko Way is at the intersection of Moquin Drive, McMillian Way and Hudson Way because these four gentlemen have had an indelible imprint on Cummings Research Park and on the City of Huntsville,’’ Lamb said.

Battle called the late Jurenkos the most philanthropic couple in the community and said they gave with “a quiet soul.’’

“I can remember going to their house down in South Huntsville and talking to them there,’’ Battle said. “They had great plans and visions of things that they wanted to see done in this community.’’

Thursday’s ceremony began with an emblematic walk from HudsonAlpha to the Jurenko Way signage unveiling.

“Thank you everyone who made this possible, and thank you for remembering,’’ said Carole Jones, who pointed out that Mark C. Smith Drive is nearby. “And thank you for walking with us today on Jurenko Way.’’