Union Commonwealth University will celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of one of its most distinguished alumni during Homecoming Weekend with a special screening of Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m.

The documentary tells the story of 1966 Union alumnus Phil Sharp, tracing his journey from a rural Kentucky farm boy who battled dyslexia to a Nobel Prize-winning scientist whose groundbreaking discovery of RNA helped transform biology and launch the biotechnology revolution.

The screening will take on added significance following the film, when Phil and Ann Sharp, both members of Union’s Class of 1966, will join the Union community virtually for a special question-and-answer session. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from the Sharps about Phil’s remarkable career, their Union experience and the journey that took Phil from a rural Kentucky farm to the forefront of modern science.

Narrated by actor Mark Ruffalo and featuring insights from author and journalist Walter Isaacson, Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution explores Sharp’s path from Appalachia to the forefront of modern molecular biology. His discovery of RNA splicing fundamentally changed scientists’ understanding of how genes function and contributed to the development of the biotechnology industry and treatments that have impacted millions of lives.

Sharp earned his bachelor’s degree from Union in 1966 before continuing his education and eventually establishing a distinguished career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1993 for his discovery of split genes.

The documentary originally aired nationally on PBS in 2025 and has since introduced audiences to Sharp’s remarkable story and scientific legacy.

For Union, the screening provides an opportunity to celebrate not only Sharp’s accomplishments but also the lasting impact of his Union education.

“Phil’s story is an important part of Union’s story,” said Maisie Nelson, Vice President of University Relations. “We hope alumni, students, faculty, staff and members of the community will join us for the screening and take advantage of this rare opportunity to hear from Phil and Ann themselves.”

The screening will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, October 16, during Union Commonwealth University’s Homecoming Weekend. The event is free and open to the public.

The screening location will be determined based on registration numbers. Registered attendees will receive the location by email prior to the event.

Complimentary popcorn and water will be available for attendees.

Registration is encouraged so the University can plan appropriately for seating and refreshments.

Alumni Registration: Click here

Student, Faculty/Staff, & Community Registration: Click here