DEPARTMENT OF Chemistry News

FALL/WINTER 2008 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

A Tradition of Innovative Thinking Since 1868

Inside this Issue

A Special Appeal from the Van der Donk Selected as Department Head Page HHMI Investigator PAGE 2 PAGE 11

3M Foundation Gift Honoring the Dream of Supports Organic Teaching Dr. King Laboratories Page PAGE 14 PAGE 3 Moore and Researchers The Chemistry Learning Develop Self-Healing Center: PLATO IV and a Materials Quiet Revolution in the PAGE 16 Teaching of Chemistry Dr. Scott Denmark: PAGE 4 Classroom Dedicated Recipient of the Prelog in Honor of Dr. Howard P. Medal In Memoriam: Ernest Hetzner Ludwig Eliel PAGE 18 PAGES 12 PAGE 5 Never Forgetting a Mentor: Commencement 2008: Buhrke Honors G.L. Clark Chemistry Grads Look to PAGE 19 the Future Page PAGE 6 Donors PAGE 20 Investitures PAGE 7 Alumni Notes PAGE 24 Goings on… PAGE 8 In Memoriam PAGE 24 Illinois Researchers Uncover a Major Step in Understanding the Evolution of LIfe Heckert Endows Chair PAGE 10 and Harold R. Snyder Graduate Fellowship PAGE 17 WELCOME

A Special Appeal from the Department Head

ONE OF THE GREAT JOYS OF BEING DEPARTMENT HEAD IS GETTING TOGETHER chair that enables us to recruit a specifi c faculty member or with Illinois chemists all across this nation. The most com- to an endowed graduate fellowship fund that provides student mon sentiment they voice is how special our program is—the stipends. The annual fund allows us to send a student to a extraordinary faculty, the state-of-the-art facilities, and the national meeting or to purchase a new set of pH meters for helpful staff. Very often I hear an alumnus say “I really owe the general chemistry laboratories. There are countless other much of my success to my time at Illinois.” needs where an annual gift will have a direct and distinct We continue to provide that same remarkable experience impact on our students and programs. to today’s students, despite the diminishing support from In the last newsletter I wrote about the outstanding the State of Illinois (now less than 18 percent of our budget). faculty and students that we have recruited and the remark- However, the fi nancial crisis that has gripped the country able discoveries that are being made in Roger Adams, Noyes, is threatening us as well, and today I must turn to our good and the Chemical Life Sciences Laboratories. Much of this has friends and outstanding alumni, many of whom have already been accomplished with the help of our friends and alumni. partnered with us. If you need some external evidence, I can add the following: Please help us maintain the considerable momentum we In 2007, the Chronicle of Higher Education ranked the Depart- have built in the past few years. I would particularly like to ment of Chemistry at Illinois as 1st in the nation in scholarly encourage those of you who have not given before, or done productivity for public institutions. For all institutions, public so infrequently, to make an annual gift or a multi-year pledge. and private, Chemistry at Illinois ranked 3rd behind only MIT So that your gift will have maximum impact, we have cre- and Harvard. That is the momentum to which I referred. ated a new fund called Chemistry Vision 2020. With this fund Many of our alumni are concerned about their own eco- we have set a very ambitious goal of creating a $20 million nomic future and that is understandable. However, please endowment by the year 2020. This new fund will replace the keep in mind that even small gifts will make a difference Partnership for Chemistry Fund, which has for many years because of the power we have in numbers. I hope we can provided current use funds that were vital in meeting our count on you to help make our future as bright as our past. most urgent needs. Please do look at the giving section at the back of this Vision 2020 will be endowed. This is a major change that newsletter for more details on the Chemistry Vision 2020 Fund will require some belt tightening in the near term. However, and to see how you can have a direct impact. And feel free to upon reaching our goal, the Vision 2020 Fund will provide an contact me with questions or comments. annual income of at least $1 million and put our department in a very strong position for the future. I provide more details Sincerely yours, on page 20. I hope you will take a look and consider support- ing Vision 2020. Why is annual giving so important? Some of our alumni tell me that they don’t give because they don’t think it makes a difference, particularly in comparison to the very large gifts Steven C. Zimmerman that they have read about recently. In fact, large gifts have Head and Roger Adams Professor a large impact, but they are often targeted—to an endowed Department of Chemistry

2 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry DEPARTMENT NEWS

3M Foundation Gift Supports Organic Teaching Laboratories

THANKS TO A GENEROUS $300,000 GIFT TO THE SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL Sciences from the 3M Foundation, four organic teaching laboratories on the second fl oor of Noyes Laboratory are once again state-of-the-art working environments. In December 2007, the School of Chemical Sciences and the Department of Chemistry held a ceremony to unveil one updated laboratory as the newly renamed “3M Organic Teach- ing Laboratory.” Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the Department of Chemistry, as well as two representatives from the 3M Foundation, gathered in the second fl oor hallway of Noyes Laboratory to celebrate and dedicate this newly refurbished facility. Steven Zimmerman, Head of the Department of Chemistry, As a chemist, it is hard to think of a more provided opening remarks. Noting the prestigious history joyous occasion than the dedication of a of Noyes Lab and the Department of Chemistry, Zimmerman new teaching laboratory. introduced Sarah Mangelsdorf, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Proudly acknowledging the connection the Department of Chemistry and the University share with indus- try, Mangelsdorf spoke of the role of corporate and academic partnerships, and the vital impact of generous gifts such as dents representing 34 different majors, from nuclear engi- the donation from 3M. neering to … religious studies. Enhancing chemical literacy Andrew Gewirth, Director of the School of Chemical broadly is our goal and with this beautiful new lab we can Sciences, brought special attention to the enduring 3M and accomplish that more effectively than ever before.” Illinois partnership. As an organization, 3M has dedicated After delivering brief remarks, Dr. Charles Boeder (Ph.D., itself to education and charitable giving, with donations top- 1978) and Dr. Peter Grasse (Ph.D., 1983) of 3M were joined by ping $42 million in 2007 alone. “This gift reinforces the strong Stanley Smith, professor emeritus, and Dr. Jeffrey Moore for alliance the campus has with 3M,” Gewirth said. “This organi- a ribbon-cutting. The event concluded with an open house in zation is committed to helping students with interests in the the renovated laboratory and a reception. chemical sciences develop meaningful careers in many areas.” “As a chemist, it is hard to think of a more joyous occa- In his discussion of the role of the organic teaching labora- sion than the dedication of a new teaching laboratory,” said tory, Zimmerman agreed. “These students learn something Zimmerman. “We would not be here today without the long- about the nature of chemicals and their transformations, standing partnership that we have with 3M, and it is their and how to purify and identify organic compounds,” he said. most recent and generous gift that has allowed this module “These are not just chemistry majors … last fall we had stu- to be built.” ■

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 3 DEPARTMENT NEWS

The Chemistry Learning Center: PLATO IV and a Quiet Revolution in the Teaching of Chemistry

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON ONCE STATED THAT “EXCELLENCE IS TO DO A COMMON “Through his pioneering work in the Learning Center,” thing in an uncommon way.” It’s an apt motto for Dr. Stanley said Peter Beak, professor emeritus of Chemistry. “Stan G. Smith and the Chemistry Learning Center. Smith’s novel showed the chemistry community how to use computers idea in 1972 was to teach basic chemistry concepts through effectively in teaching. By incorporating judging routines drill-based tutorials in an entirely new way via computer. into his lessons, he took computer-assisted instruction The idea of computer-based instruction took form at from being a page turner for a text book to a newly individu- Illinois in the 1960s and led to the creation of the PLATO alized and interactive way to reach and teach students. system. In 1967, the National Science Foundation awarded His work has been highly infl uential in chemistry and Stan a grant to the University to set up a Computer-based Educa- was decades ahead of his time. In fact, the department still tion Research Laboratory (CERL). The laboratory was guided gets many calls from other universities asking about our by Don Bitzer, an electrical engineer and the co-inventor of Learning Center.” the plasma screen. With a team of engineers and scientists, The 1980s saw signifi cant technological advances in Bitzer developed a programming language and touch-sensitive hardware that directly affected the quantity and variety computer terminals that allowed students to work on tutorials of the computer-based educational materials. A grant from developed by instructors. IBM provided for a major upgrade of the computer infra- By 1972 a new system, PLATO IV, was ready for larger scale structure. With the new equipment, Illinois developed a use. That fall, Smith helped the Chemistry Learning Center prototype microcomputer system that mixed full-motion (CLC) open its doors for the fi rst time, welcoming in a new video from a video disk player with computer graphics generation of students with computer systems that, at the generated by an IBM XT computer running at 4.7 MHz time, were the most cutting-edge on the market. Smith’s with 256K RAM. vision was to allow chemistry students to work through tutori- The fi rst systems established in the CLC offered students als at their own pace and in the order of their choosing. The unprecedented technological power at their fi ngertips—they 25 PLATO IV terminals, with their distinctive orange screens, could carry out experiments on the computer and view the were housed in 313 Chemistry Annex and connected via micro- results as video. The expanding technological features of the wave to a CDC computer mainframe housed in the Engineering lab made it readily apparent that the CLC needed to expand Research Lab just a short distance away. Smith created a suite physically as well, and soon the CLC was moved to 212 Chem- of tutorials on a broad range of topics in chemistry. istry Annex, a former wet lab.

4 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry DEPARTMENT NEWS

The Department of Chemistry has led the nation in integrating new teaching technologies into chemical education, and, for more than 35 years, the Chemistry Learning Center has been at the leading edge of this movement.

The 1990s saw tremendous technological advances, and the studying. Today, each computer is housed in its own study Chemistry Learning Center integrated those developments with cubicle, giving the students privacy and comfort. ease. The entire CLC was rewired for TCP/IP, to allow students A variety of tutoring services are now available to every full and faster use of the Internet. IBM, a tremendous contribu- student, including walk-in tutoring provided by CLC staff and tor to the University for years, developed a program entitled TAs during the week, tutors-for-hire, and one-on-one tutoring ‘Photomotion,’ which allowed the video disks to be digitized and sponsored by American Chemical Society student affi liates in run directly on the computer. These two technologies combined the evenings and on weekends. Open seven days a week, with to allow students in the CLC to utilize digital video, rather than hours extending as late as 10:00 pm on most weekdays, the CLC the standard large and unwieldy disks used at the time. provides help to every student that walks through the door. As the 21st century dawned, the Chemistry Learning “The Department of Chemistry has led the nation in Center was remodeled in order to provide students more integrating new teaching technologies into chemical educa- space for studying, a better learning environment, and a new tion,” Zimmerman noted. “And, for more than 35 years, the suite of services. Flat panel monitors were added to each of Chemistry Learning Center has been at the leading edge of the 70 workstations, and spacious and modern tables were this movement. It is just one part of what makes chemistry brought in to provide every student with the ideal space for at Illinois excellent and unique.” ■

In Memoriam: Ernest Ludwig Eliel

ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008, ILLINOIS ALUM ERNEST LUDWIG become one of the classic textbooks of chemistry, Stereochem- Eliel passed away at the Carolina Meadows Health Center after istry of Carbon Compounds. a long illness. He was 86 years old. After 24 years at the University of Notre Dame, Eliel left to Eliel was born December 28, 1921, the son of Oskar and become the W.R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Chemistry at the Uni- Luise Tietz Eliel, and he knew from a very young age that he versity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, wished to become a chemist. At age 11, he received his fi rst where he spent the rest of his chemistry chemistry set, and by age 15, he knew that chemistry was his career. A highly honored chemist, Eliel passion. When he was 17, his ambitions for chemistry were won many awards including the 1996 halted briefl y as he fl ed to Scotland from his German home- Priestly Medal, the 1986 North Carolina land during the Second World War. Only two years later, he Award in Science, an honorary doctor of was forced once again to relocate when he was sent to a Cana- science degree from Duke University in dian internment camp after having been dubbed an “enemy 1983, and an honorary doctor of science alien.” Determined to pursue his dreams, however, Ernest did degree from Notre Dame in 1990. He not let this stop him. Once out of the camps, he headed for also served as president of the American Cuba, where he achieved an undergraduate degree in chemis- Chemical Society. try at the University of Havana. He is survived by his wife, Eva Following this achievement, Eliel moved to the United Schwarz Eliel; his daughters, Ruth Eliel States and the Department of Chemistry at the University of and Carol Eliel; and his grandsons, Ben Illinois. Working with Harold R. Snyder as his advisor, he fi n- and Sam Muller. ■ ished his doctoral studies in only two years, and swiftly began his academic career at the University of Notre Dame. While Adapted from C&E News obituary by teaching at Notre Dame, he completed work on what would Bethany Halford.

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 5 DEPARTMENT NEWS

Commencement 2008: Chemistry Grads Look to the Future

Kaufmann urged the graduates to remember important les- sons, stressing six pieces of advice ranging from “work hard, play harder” to “choose a positive attitude every day.” She encouraged the graduates with wisdom she gained from her years in industry. “A degree in chemistry can open up all kinds of opportuni- ties,” Kaufmann stated. “What your degree in chemistry from a prestigious University says about you today is that you are smart, have great critical thinking skills, very good analytical and deductive skills, that you’ve got logical problem-solving skills, that you’re goal oriented and you’ve got to be orga- nized to have made it this far. These skills can apply to any number of career paths. Your future is unlimited.” Left to right: Andrew Gewirth, Mary Kay Kaufmann, and Steven Zimmerman Kaufmann started work with the Nalco Company—which specializes in water treatment and process chemical technol- THE ANNUAL CHEMISTRY COMMENCEMENT WAS HELD ON MAY 11, 2008, ogies—in 1980, in the sales department. Quickly promoted at the Tryon Festival Theater at the Krannert Center of the due to her talent, training, intelligence, and initiative, she Performing Arts. Families and friends were joined by achieved positions within management, marketing, cor- 100 students and thirteen professors to celebrate the much- anticipated occasion. The Champaign Brass performed the processional music and Steven Zimmerman, Head of the Department of Chemis- By obtaining a bachelor’s or Ph.D. degree try, welcomed each person and congratulated them on their from the University of Illinois you have achievement. “By obtaining a bachelor’s or Ph.D. degree from become a member of a very elite group. the University of Illinois,” he told the graduates, “you have become a member of a very elite group.” Zimmerman announced the awards that were to be given to undergraduates who had distinguished themselves during porate strategy, and information technology. She also has their years at the University of Illinois. Six awards were given served as president of the Industrial & Institutional Ser- this year to fi ve undergraduates: Joseph Gerdt and Timothy vices division—a $1.8 billion area within Nalco. Today, with Mui shared the John C. Bailar Award; Mui and David Ladror numerous honors to her name, Mary Kay Kaufmann holds shared the C.S. Marvel Award; Anita Chary received the John the position of Group Vice President and Chief Marketing David Barnwell Memorial Award; and Lukasz Koscielski was Offi cer for Nalco Company. awarded the R.C. Fuson Award. Additionally, Kaufmann has committed herself to the Mary Kay Kaufmann (B.S., 1980) delivered the com- community, serving for seven years as a board member of the mencement address. She focused fi rst on her disbelief that Naperville, IL, United Way, two of those years as the campaign 28 years after her own graduation, she would be on the committee coordinator. She has worked on the start-up of the “other side of the podium,” delivering a commencement Naperville Spirit campaign, and the Chicagoland United Way speech to a new generation of chemists. Crusade of Mercy Leadership Giving Women’s Initiative. ■

6 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry FACULTY

Dr. John F. Hartwig Dr. Jeffrey S. Moore Dr. Nancy Makri

Investitures

DR. JOHN F. HARTWIG WAS INVESTED AS THE KENNETH L. a faculty member. In 1993, he returned to his educational Rinehart Jr. Chair in Natural Products Chemistry in November roots, taking a faculty position at Illinois. Moore has received 2006. Hartwig received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton numerous accolades for his work in chemistry, including recently University in 1986 and a Ph.D. from the University of California- being awarded a fellowship with the American Academy of Berkeley in 1990. After a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT working Arts and Sciences. Additionally, he was recently named to the on orally active cisplatin analogs, he began an appointment Scientifi c American “Top Fifty Finest” list. His research into organic at Yale University in 1992. Hartwig joined the Illinois faculty in materials and polymer chemistry is internationally recognized, 2006. He has won numerous awards, including the 2008 Paul N. and has been featured in Nature, Science, and The Economist. Rylander Award of the Organic Reactions Catalysis Society, the (See related article page 16.) 2007 Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award in Organic Synthesis, the 2007 Mukaiyama Award from the Society of Synthetic Meredith Mallory Jr (B.A., 1941) obtained a medical degree Organic Chemistry of Japan, and the 2007 Raymond and from the Tulane University in 1944, and was commissioned as Beverly Sackler Prize in the Physical Sciences. an offi cer in the Army Medical Corps. A specialist in the effects of radiation, he served on a medical team that monitored the Kenneth L. Rinehart Jr. (1929-2005) served as a faculty member safety of those exposed to radiation during the bomb tests at the University of Illinois from 1954 until his retirement in 2000. A in the Pacifi c. In 1954, he left the Medical Corps to work in his lifelong scholar, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry family’s oil and gas business, where he was an independent gas from Yale University in 1950 and a doctorate from the University producer. Mallory shared the naming of the Murchison-Mallory of California-Berkeley in 1954. Between his time attending these Chair with his late wife, Patricia Murchison. schools, he also spent a year of college on a Rotary fellowship at the University of Goettingen, Germany. As a researcher, Rinehart was internationally known for his studies into the isolation of ON MAY 7, 2008 DR. NANCY MAKRI WAS INVESTED AS AN EDWARD structure determination of bioactive compounds derived from William Gutgsell and Jane Marr Gutgsell Endowed Chair in marine organisms. Among the natural products he found was Chemistry. Makri received her B.S. from the University of Athens ET743, which has shown great potential as a treatment of certain in 1985 and her Ph.D. from the University of California-Berkeley cancers in humans and is in clinical use. in 1989. She spent two years as a junior fellow at Harvard before joining the faculty at Illinois in the spring of 1992. She has Marlyn “Corky” Rinehart (née Whitsitt) established the Kenneth L. won numerous awards, including receiving a fellowship to the Rinehart Jr. Chair in tribute to her late husband. Marlyn was born American Physical Society, the Bodossaki Academic Prize, and and raised on a farm at Preemption, in Mercer County, Ill. She being selected as a fellow in the American Association for the graduated from Monmouth College in 1957 and attended Advancement of Science. With numerous publications to her the University of Illinois for her graduate work. Marlyn has name, her research into theoretical chemistry and quantum been an outstanding friend and supporter of the Department mechanics has been groundbreaking, resulting in invitations of Chemistry, and the department is deeply grateful for her and requests for presentations worldwide. exceptional generosity in honoring the remarkable legacy of Ken Rinehart Jr. Edward and Jane Gutgsell are both graduates of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Valuing their relationship with the University highly, they sought to help maintain the standard ON APRIL 24, 2007, DR. JEFFREY S. MOORE WAS INVESTED AS THE of excellence for which Illinois has long been known. As Murchison-Mallory Endowed Chair in Chemistry. Moore received longtime donors and genuinely caring alumni, they created the his B.S. degree in chemistry in 1984 and his Ph.D. in materials Gutgsell Endowment to “motivate and assist” faculty members in science and engineering in 1989, both from the University realizing their potential and to enhance their contributions to the of Illinois. Following his graduation, he worked as a National University. For more than ten years, the Gutgsell Endowed Chairs Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow at Caltech, and, in have been granting faculty members just this opportunity, to the 1990, traveled to the University of Michigan to begin work as betterment of campus, the community and the world.

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 7 Goings On…

that will allow me to focus transition metal complexes on research earlier in my can break (and form) graduate student career.” carbon-hydrogen bonds in hydrocarbons such as The Springborn Fellows methane. Understanding include Karen Brown, Jessica the factors that enable Klinkenberg, Patrick Knerr, such reactions will lead Beth Lindquist, Luchansky, to better catalysts for and Jacob Stewart. With energy production. their research ranging from understanding the dynamics After completing her Fulbright, of the Green Fluorescent she hopes to continue her Protein (GFP) to developing computational work as a important new synthetic college professor. methods, these Springborn Fellows are making full use Department of Chemistry of the opportunities granted Reception at ACS National to them by the Springborn Meeting Graduate Fellowship. On August 18, the Department of Chemistry held a reception Fulbright Scholarship awarded for alumni and friends at the Dr. Robert and Connie Springborn to graduate student 236th National Meeting of Charity Flener of Hartford, Ken., the American Chemical plans to conduct research at Society in Philadelphia, Penn. Dr. Robert Springborn three-year stipend, a tuition Philipps-Universitat in Marburg, Held at the Pennsylvania Provides Gift and fee waiver, and travel Germany, thanks to a 2008-09 Reception Center, the event This fall, Dr. Robert and Carolyn funds to attend two national scholarship from the Fulbright hosted guests from many Springborn returned to Urbana conferences. That the U.S. Student Program. parts of the nation and for the annual meeting of the Springborn Fellowship provides provided a wonderful University of Illinois Foundation. unprecedented freedom to Flener, a doctoral candidate opportunity for friends and A highlight of their visit pursue their research and in chemistry, is studying with colleagues to reconnect. was their meeting with the interests in Chemistry has professors Gregory Girolami second class of Springborn been a key in attracting and Thom Dunning. Her Murchison-Mallory Gift Fellows who recently arrived students to Illinois. Fulbright application was Provides for Classroom on campus. As described in sparked by a June 2007 Renovation “(The fellowship) played the last edition of Chemistry research visit to Philipps- Dr. Meredith Mallory Jr., a a large role in drawing News, the Springborns Universität that was supported 1940 Ph.D. graduate of Illinois, me toward the wealth of donated a total of $10 million by a Central European continued his support of the opportunities and resources to the department for a high Summer Research Fellowship. Department of Chemistry that the University of Illinois impact student support Flener’s project involves using with a gift allowing the has to offer,” says Matthew program. The program is quantum mechanical models department to fully renovate a Luchansky, a recipient of providing nationally visible, to study the breaking of conference room on the third the Fellowship for 2007- highly competitive graduate carbon-hydrogen bonds, fl oor of Noyes Lab. Additions 2008. “Without the need to fellowships to outstanding a key step in certain catalytic to this classroom included be funded as a teaching students. Each fellowship reactions. In Marburg, she completely new furnishings for assistant, this fellowship provides a guaranteed will use advanced modeling greater student comfort and has provided the resources techniques to study how

8 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Dr. Meredith Mallory Jr. William Flygare

learning. Mallory’s generous the Pharmaceuticals Research Flygare Memorial Lecture ACS Landmark Textbook donation also is being used and Development Line On March 5, Dr. Alexander Lecture for the renovation of Chemistry Council. Additionally, she Pines of the University of The American Chemical Annex, the 77-year-old building is the Groton/New London California-Berkeley delivered Society (ACS) held a series that houses general chemistry. Labs product enhancement the 2008 Flygare Memorial of lectures celebrating the This extensive renovation will management team chair. Lecture on “Novel NMR and proud heritage of chemistry span several years. MRI: from Nanometers to at Illinois on March 27. The next annual Sylvia Meters in Chemistry, Materials, “Landmark Chemistry Books M. Stoesser Lecture is Stoesser Lecture and Biomedicine.” of the 20th Century: Authors scheduled for March 5, 2009. In February, the Women in from the University of Illinois Pines, a pioneer in the Chemistry program hosted at Urbana-Champaign” Organic Syntheses Lecture development of nuclear the Sylvia M. Stoesser was held at the Chicago The Department of Chemistry magnetic resonance (NMR) Lecture in Chemistry ACS National Meeting, and hosted the 2008 Organic spectroscopy, has received presented by Dr. Sarah Kelly featured speakers such as Syntheses Lectureship series, many prestigious honors of Pfi zer. Her address was Dr. James Lisy and Dr. Scott sponsored by Organic during his career, including entitled “Research Based Denmark of Illinois, as well as Syntheses, Inc., on April 10. The the Langmuir Award of the Pharmaceutics: Challenges, numerous other alumni and lecture featured Professor Jan- American Chemical Society, Changes and Opportunities.” esteemed professors. Books Erling Bäckvall of Stockholm the Faraday Medal of the covered included numerous Sponsored by Dr. Yulan Tong University, Sweden, who Royal Society of Chemistry, organic chemistry books by and the Dow Chemical spoke on “Recent Advances and the Wolf Prize. He is a Dr. R.C. Fuson; Chemistry of Company, the lecture is in the Combination of Metal member of the U.S. National Coordination Compounds, designed to give young and Enzyme Catalysis for Academy of Sciences and a by Dr. J.C. Bailar Jr.; Chemical women in the chemical fi eld Asymmetric Synthesis.” foreign member of the Royal Literature and Its Use, by a perspective on the world of Society (London). A native of Sweden, Bäckvall Marion Sparks; and Inorganic chemical industry, and has has had many successes Since joining the faculty of Chemistry: An Advanced been held annually for more in his career, including the University of California- Text Book, by Dr. T. Moeller. than fi ve years with great membership in the Royal Berkeley, Pines has held Additionally, Dr. Lisy delivered success. Swedish Academy of Sciences multiple lectureships, including a speech entitled: “Molecular Kelly, the vice president and the Finnish Academy of Loeb lecturer at Harvard Structure and Dynamics: of research and science Science and Letters, serving as University, Lord lecturer at MIT, Legacy of Willis H. Flygare.” technology in pharmaceutical president of the Bürgenstock Roberts lecturer at Caltech, sciences at Pfi zer Global Conference, and chairman Tetelman fellow at Yale Research and Development, of the editorial board of University, Harkins lecturer at provides global management Chemistry, a European journal. the University of Chicago, Max and leadership for He has published more than Born lecturer at the Hebrew approximately 330 research 300 papers, presented more University of Jerusalem, Lord and science technology than 85 plenary and main Todd professor at Cambridge colleagues worldwide in lectures at international University, Hinshelwood Groton, MA.; St. Louis; La Jolla, conferences, and has edited professor at Oxford University, CA.; and Sandwich, U.K. She the book entitled: Modern and Professeur Joliot-Curie manages a global budget Oxidation Methods. at the Ecole Supréieure de of $100 million. A member Physique et Chimie in Paris. of Pfi zer since 1986, she has Next year’s Flygare Memorial served as a member on a Lecture will be held on number of teams, including May 6, 2009.

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 9 FACULTY

Illinois Researchers Uncover a Major Step in Understanding the Evolution of Life Portrait by L. Brian Stauffer, UIUC News Bureau UIUC News Brian Stauffer, L. by Portrait

A NEW STUDY OF THE RIBOSOME, THE CELL’S PROTEIN-BUILDING MACHINERY, They also looked at the three-dimensional structures of the sheds light on the oldest branches of the evolutionary tree ribosomal RNA and proteins and their proximity to each other. of life and suggests that differences in ribosomal structure Graduate student Elijah Roberts, lead author on the study, among the three main branches of that tree are “molecular developed computer programs to analyze the ribosomal fossils” of the early evolution of protein synthesis. sequences of different organisms. Whenever he found a ribo- The new analysis, from researchers at Illinois, reveals somal RNA or protein sequence that differed between bacteria that key regions of the ribosome differ between bacteria and and archaea, he screened the database to determine whether a archaea, microbes that the researchers say are genetically sequence was unique to a given domain. closer to eukarya, the domain of life that includes humans. “To be a molecular signature, a sequence has to be common The study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy to all members of a single domain of life, but not another,” of Sciences. Luthey-Schulten said. The fi ndings confi rm and extend the early work of Illinois Using the three-dimensional structures available for some microbiology professor Carl Woese, an author on the study. bacterial and archaeal ribosomes, the researchers were also Woese was the fi rst to look for signs of evolution in the ribo- able to determine where in the ribosome these molecular some, where genetic information is translated into proteins. signatures occurred. In the mid-1970s, he and his colleagues found consistent “Until the 2000s, when these structures became available, differences in the sequence of nucleotides that spell out the you weren’t able to correlate where these signatures were RNA of the ribosome in bacteria and archaea. These “molecu- with what was touching them in 3-D space,” Roberts said. lar signatures” were so pronounced that Woese concluded that the archaea comprised a separate domain of life, distinct from bacteria and eukarya (animals, plants, fungi, and protists). To learn more about Dr. Luthey-Schulten’s His classifi cation system is now widely accepted. research, visit chemistry.illinois.edu/faculty/ “Carl Woese and his colleagues years ago established that Zaida_Luthey_Schulten.html protein translation had to be well developed when the evolu- tion of modern cells started,” said Illinois chemistry professor Zaida Luthey-Schulten, an author on the new study. “So the “So nobody had ever done this sort of analysis before.” evolution of cells and the evolution of translation are really The researchers found that 50 percent of the signatures linked to one another.” distinguishing the archaeal and bacterial ribosomes is located The ribosome has two subunits, each made up of RNA and in 5 percent of the ribosomal RNA sequence. Most of these proteins. It interacts with a host of other molecules to guide molecular signatures occur in regions that are critical to the assembly of new proteins. ribosomal function. The researchers analyzed the sequence of nucleotides (the They also found correlations between some ribosomal pro- building blocks of RNA) and amino acids (the building blocks tein and RNA signatures, which they say is evidence that the of proteins) that make up the ribosome. ribosomal RNA and proteins co-evolved.

10 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry FACULTY

“The ramifi cations of this work are it gives you a much bet- ate bacteria from other organisms often occur in regions that ter way to probe how this universal machinery changes from are essential to ribosomal functioning, they will likely be one organism to another,” Luthey-Schulten said. targets for the development of new antibiotic drugs, she said. “In that the ribosome constitutes the core of the cellular Woese and Luthey-Schulten are affi liates of the Institute translation mechanism, which is the sine qua non of gene for Genomic Biology. Luthey-Schulten is also an affi liate expression, which is the essence of life as we know it, these of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and fi ndings constitute a major step in understanding the evolu- Technology and of the Center for Biophysics and tion of life, which is still a journey of a thousand miles,” Computational Biology. ■ Woese said. The new fi ndings also have implications for human health, by Diana Yates, life sciences editor, University of Luthey-Schulten said. Because the signatures that differenti- Illinois News Bureau

Van der Donk Selected as HHMI Investigator

THIS YEAR, 1,070 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED and colleague—always ready to help and with outstanding for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute judgment and standards.” (HHMI) Investigators program. Fifty-six As an HHMI Investigator, van der Donk plans to research Investigators were chosen, with only two new classes of compounds that potentially could be used as selected from the University of Illinois: antibiotics. These compounds and microbial agents, which Dr. Phillip Newmark, and the Richard E. previously have not been used for therapeutic purposes in Heckert Chair in Chemistry, Dr. Wilfred A. humans, could give rise to a new generation of antibiotics. van der Donk. Two alumni from the Department of Chemistry previously “Although he’s intensely focused on have been selected as HHMI Investigators. In 1993, Stephen J. this fundamental research, which he calls Elledge (B.S., 1978) was chosen and in 2005, Milan Mrksich (B.S., an arms race with the microbes, van der 1989) became an HHMI investigator. Both studied as undergrad- Donk is equally committed to inspiring uates at Illinois, with Mrksich’s research occuring in the lab of students—in both the classroom and the the current head of the department, Dr. Steven Zimmerman. laboratory—to become excited about science,” HHMI offi cials Three other current faculty members from Illinois have wrote in announcing the award. received HHMI awards, two of whom are associated with the As a researcher, Dr. van der Donk is no stranger to Chemistry Department. Chemistry professor Yi Lu was chosen undertaking large and cutting-edge research. Last year, he as an HHMI Professor in 2002, and chemistry affi liate and was a co-recipient of a fi ve-year, $7-million grant from the physics professor Taekjip Ha was chosen as an HHMI Investi- National Institutes of Health to discover, develop, and pro- gator in 2005. duce antibiotic agents. Selection as a Howard Hughes Medical Investigator “Wilfred van der Donk is one of the country’s leading means many things, not the least of which is the oppor- chemical biologists,” said Steven Zimmerman, Head of the tunity to pursue ambitious, risky, and long-term research Department of Chemistry. “He combines a sharp eye for criti- plans that the researchers may not have been able to tackle cal problems with a deeply analytical and creative mind that with other sources of funding. This year alone, the Howard produces unique solutions. The HHMI award will give him the Hughes Medical Institute has pledged more than $600 mil- freedom to tackle some very important and challenging prob- lion to support the new researchers during their fi rst term lems already underway in his laboratory, such as developing of appointment. ■ new antibiotics to treat drug-resistant infections.” “He will also be able to initiate new projects in the area of To learn more about Dr. van der Donk’s research, cell biology, with one project potentially offering new insights visit chemistry.illinois.edu/faculty/Wilfred_van_der_ into the malaria life cycle in human cells,” Zimmerman con- Donk.html tinued. “Wilfred is all around an outstanding teacher, scholar,

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 11 Dr. Scott Denmark: Recipient of the Prelog Medal

IN 2007, DR. SCOTT DENMARK TRAVELED TO ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND, to receive an award of special importance, not only for its signifi cance in chemistry, but also for him personally: the Vladimir Prelog Medal, awarded by the Organic Chemistry Laboratory of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH- Zürich). For more than 20 years, the Prelog Medal has stood as a distinguished achievement in the chemical world, recogniz- ing not only excellence in chemistry, but also an individual who has made fundamental contributions to the fi eld of ste- reochemistry. Heralded as an original and innovative thinker in stereochemistry, Denmark was a clear choice for the award due to his pioneering work in the invention and study of new, stereoselective, synthetic reactions. The award was meaningful for Denmark, however, not only because of its prestige, but because of the personal connec- To learn more about Dr. Denmark’s research, visit tion that he had with the individual for whom the award chemistry.illinois.edu/faculty/Scott_Denmark.html was named. A graduate of the ETH, Denmark had known Prelog and had many memorable encounters with this legend- ary chemist. During his graduate years, Denmark spent his Sundays in the ETH Bibliothek, reading not only the current literature, but also the work of the giants of organic chem- istry who had laid the foundations of the fi eld. Of particular interest were those scientists, especially Prelog, Ruzicka, Wilstätter, and Kuhn who had spent much of their careers at the ETH. Indeed, in his speech accepting the medal, Denmark identifi ed Prelog as one of his chemical heroes. Although Prelog made seminal contributions to many areas of chemistry, including the structure and synthesis of alkaloids and antibiotics, it was his work in stereochemistry that was recognized by the Nobel Foundation in 1975. Prelog discovered early on the many stereochemical consequences of organic structures and transformation, and devoted himself to determining, manipulating, and understanding those phenom- ena. His work lead to the development of the Cahn-Ingold- Prelog system, as well as the creation of “Prelog’s Rules,” a method for determining the absolute confi guration of second- ary alcohols.

12 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Dr. Heidi Wunderli-Allenspach with Dr. Scott Denmark.

The intellectual departure from the established norm only came about as a consequence of the creativity and innovation that typifi es Denmark’s research program. – Erick Carreira

Stereochemistry suffuses the many different areas of the A.C. Cope Scholar award from the American Chemical research investigated by Denmark during his 28-year career Society (ACS); and the ACS Award for Creative Work in Syn- at Illinois. From his early reports on the Nazarov cyclization— thetic Organic Chemistry, Denmark’s recognitions abound. which were termed groundbreaking by his contemporaries— Yet, despite this surfeit of accolades, his enthusiasm and cre- to his more recent work in emphasizing the chemistry of ativity have not diminished. In recent years he has embarked Lewis bases, which has led to the identifi cation of new upon new adventures in research, exploring uncharted areas opportunities for catalysis, Denmark’s many discoveries have in chemistry and stereochemistry, for example in systematic opened doors in exciting and pioneering new ways. Lead- examination of the characteristics of phase transfer catalysts ing scientists such as Erick Carreira have lauded his recent and the implementation of organosilicon compounds in cross- research in Lewis base catalysis, saying that, “A combination coupling processes. of creativity and mechanistic insight has produced a substan- Through it all, however, Denmark has maintained a per- tive new addition to the fi eld of asymmetric synthesis… The spective that both pays tribute to and echoes that of Vladimir intellectual departure from the established norm only came Prelog. Prelog (a Croation by birth) recognized how fortunate about as a consequence of the creativity and innovation that he was to have been given the opportunity to be a professor typifi es Denmark’s research program. The development of this at the ETH-Zürich. He maintained that it was a privilege to concept required a new class of reagents, i.e. trichlorosilyl interact with outstanding colleagues and students and he was enolates, and catalysts, particularly chiral phosphoramides. always grateful for the assistance and guidance he received The success of these transformations constitutes a remarkable from his colleagues and co-workers. Most importantly, Prelog tour de force …” generously acknowledged the contributions made by his pre- The long list of awards that Denmark has received pays decessors, without whom many of his own discoveries would tribute to the lasting impact that he has left on the world of not have been possible. chemistry. With honors including the Yamada-Koga Prize of “If I have seen further than others,” Denmark said in his the Japan Research Foundation for Optically Active Com- acceptance speech, quoting Isaac Newton, “it is by standing pounds; the Pedler Medal from the Royal Society of Chemistry; upon the shoulders of giants.” ■

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 13 ALUMNI

Honoring the Dream of Dr. King Adapted from the article “Retired Chemist Heard King’s ‘Dream’ and Lives It,” by John Liberty, Kalamazoo Gazette Photo by Mark Bugnaski of the Kalamazoo Gazette

RETIRED CHEMIST AND UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHEMISTRY GRADUATE “We suspended classes, and we came together in the audito- Harvey Myers has many of the memories frequently held in rium and talked about what we would do in honor of our most life: marriage, family, a long and successful career, in his case illustrious graduate.” at the UpJohn Company. But in addition to these, he has As the years passed, Myers lived up to the goal of honoring some special and less common ones—the memories of his own King, fulfi lling the words of “I Have a Dream.” After More- role in the Civil Rights movement and of meeting the Rever- house, he joined the graduate program in chemistry at the end Martin Luther King, Jr. University of Illinois. He worked with John Katzenellenbogen, In the 1960s, Harvey Myers was a high school student who said, “Harvey was a student who combined commit- living in Tampa, Fla., during the height of the Civil Rights ment, diligence, and persistence in the laboratory with a kind era. His local theater insisted that it would not admit black demeanor and a sense of humanity. He did great work and was patrons, and refused to change its policy. “We decided enough uniformly liked and respected.” was enough,” said Myers many years later in an interview After obtaining his Ph.D. degree, Myers worked with Dr. with the Kalamazoo, Michigan, Gazette. Joining with other Stanley Smith to learn computer-assisted instruction. He then residents of the area and members of the NAACP, Myers stood took a job at the UpJohn Company at a time when UpJohn outside the theater, demanding that the policies change. only employed six blacks with doctoral degrees. Not deterred Three days later, they did. by the situation, Myers undertook the task of traveling to By this time, Myers was already familiar with the Civil historically black colleges, seeking to encourage the students Rights movement. He had, after all, been present at one of there to work at UpJohn. the most momentous days. On August 28, 1963, he sat close In recent years, Myers says that though the industry has to the Lincoln Memorial and listened to the Rev. Martin gotten away from this manner of recruitment, he recalls that Luther King Jr. as he delivered his groundbreaking “I Have during his time at UpJohn he worked in a hospitable environ- a Dream” speech. He didn’t realize, he told the Gazette, the ment. He states that while “I know it (racism) was around me historic nature of the speech at the time. … I don’t remember any incidents that angered me or set me Years later, Myers followed in King’s footsteps, attending off. I did not work in a hostile environment.” Morehouse College in Atlanta and joining the Alpha Phi Alpha A recent retiree, Myers still works to honor the dream, fraternity. As a student at Morehouse, he had the opportunity even 40 years later. An active volunteer with Community to see King again, this time by attending a sermon deliv- Advocates for Parents and Students (CAPS), a local Kalamazoo ered by the famous pastor. He recounted later that he didn’t organization that tutors students ranging from kindergarten remember much of the sermon, but he shook King’s hand to high school, he also remains a member of his local chapter when it was over. Only a few short years after the meeting, of the NAACP. Myers heard the news that King had been assassinated. “Stay in school,” he tells the kids he works with. “Get as much “It was a very terrible time on our campus,” Myers recalled. education as you can. No one can take that away from you.” ■

14 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Interview With Harvey Myers

What prompted you to and my graduate advisor, Dr. I was proud to have only choose the Department of John Katzenellenbogen, my needed to take seven Chemistry at the University most infl uential chemist was cumulative exams. In the of Illinois as your graduate Dr. Percy Julian. I read about group of cumulative exams, school? Dr. Julian while I was still a each graduate student had student in high school trying to to pass six exams before they The short answer is that the decide what major I wanted to failed six. I only failed one. University of Illinois is a great choose once I got to college. school. One of my Morehouse I was humbled, yet proud, I also visited Dr. Julian’s College professors, Dr. Charles when I was notifi ed that I was laboratory in Chicago and I Merideth (B.S. Morehouse a candidate for induction into own the video “Percy Julian: College, Ph.D. University Phi Lambda Upsilon Honorary Forgotten Genius” of California-Berkeley) Chemical Society. recommended it. Illinois was, I recall waiting for the elevator and still is, ranked in the top How would you describe in Roger Adams Laboratory ten chemistry Ph.D.-granting your experience at the along with Dr. Adams. When universities in the country. Department of Chemistry? the elevator door opened, he said “after you” and I said The long answer: In freshman I had a very rewarding, “no, after you.” We both missed chemistry at Morehouse enjoyable, enlightening, the elevator. College, my chemistry yet scientifi cally challenging, professor and chair of the experience at the University I was frustrated when I department, Dr. Henry C. of Illinois. synthesized 6-diazo-estradiol, McBay (B.S. Wiley College, yet because of its thermal Ph.D. University of Chicago) instability, I was unable stated that Morehouse Are there any memories that to isolate it to physically Photos courtesy of the National Archives. College graduates had stand out to you from your characterize it. I worked weeks, earned Ph.D.s in chemistry time here? to no avail, to isolate this from every major university in I recall several interesting compound. the country except Harvard times, some hilarious, some and University of Illinois. My proud, some were humbling, classmate, John Hall turned Has your experience at and some frightening. to me and said, “I am going Illinois impacted you later in to Harvard and you should When I fi rst walked into your career? If yes, how so? go to University of Illinois.” Biochemistry 350 at Illinois Yes. Whenever, I encounter a John earned his degree from and there were more than diffi cult scientifi c problem, or Harvard in 1974 and I earned 100 students from many of any major problem for that my degree from Illinois in the the major colleges in the matter, I always tell myself that same year. United States, I thought that I had attended school with I had made a mistake. Since and learned from the best at I had just graduated from Illinois and Morehouse, I can Were you aware at that Morehouse College where solve this one. time of the Department of during my senior year I had, Chemistry’s history as the at most, ten students in my fi rst institution to award a largest class, I called my What advice do you have for Ph.D. degree to an African- mother and told her that I future chemists considering American chemist, St. Elmo would be home at the end of Illinois? Brady, in 1916? the week. Illinois is a great school and I was aware of St. Elmo I was inspired each time I you get to interact, study, Brady earning his degree was chosen as a co-author and learn with the best in the from Illinois. I have several on a scientifi c publication. I world. You can succeed at books on black scientists am proud to say that I have Illinois, and you can succeed in America. Aside from my authored numerous scientifi c anywhere. undergraduate chemistry and/or technical reports since professor, Dr. Henry McBay, leaving the University of Illinois.

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 15 FACULTY

Moore and Researchers Develop Self-Healing Materials

IMAGINE A MACHINE THAT, WHEN technological leadership by 50 individuals, teams, or compa- damaged, can heal itself. This nies in research, business, or policymaking each year. may seem like a discovery of This innovative discovery was not a one-step process. the distant future, or a work Moore and his colleagues have been hard at work perfecting of science fi ction, but as their design to not only be practical, but also environmentally Dr. Jeffrey Moore of the Depart- safe and economically feasible for industry. Early versions of ment of Chemistry at Illinois is the solution featured ruthenium-based catalysts which, while showing, that innovation of the effective, were deemed impractical after further examination. future is possible today. A catalyst-free system was then developed to replace the When a machine endures ruthenium-based catalyst; however, the chlorobenzene used in high stress for prolonged peri- this chemistry proved troublesome, owing to the potentially ods of time, that stress can pro- environmentally hazardous nature of that solvent. duce microcracks which, if left Any diffi culty with fi nding a preferred solvent did not unchecked, would eventually slow Moore and graduate student Mary Caruso. They recently result in hazards to safety or discovered another solution, one that not only removes any large-scale damage. For exam- potential hazards but that also restored all of the material’s ple, if such fractures occurred original toughness. While chlorobenzene could only repair a in the blades of wind turbines or the fuselage of modern air- planes, serious accidents could result in injuries or death. Up to now, each of these materials To learn more about Dr. Moore’s research, visit has been constructed of epoxies and composites, but, because chemistry.illinois.edu/faculty/Jeffrey_Moore.html of Moore’s discovery, a further component is added. Microcapsules of a chemical called “dicyclopentadiene” are embedded in the composite material. When a microcrack damaged epoxy to 80 percent of its original hardness, this occurs, the capsules located near the damage are broken as new solution can restore it all. well, releasing their contents into the fi ssure. The dicyclo- “Although we demonstrated the self-healing concept with pentadiene molecules fi ll the gap, linking to one another and a ruthenium-based catalyst, the cost of the catalyst made our forming another type of plastic that holds the crack closed original approach too expensive and impractical,” said Moore. and eventually—after only minutes, in fact—effectively heals “Our new self-healing system is simple, very economical, and the damage. potentially robust.” The creation of these materials has been so revolutionary Details are still forthcoming regarding the nature of that scientifi c and non-scientifi c journals alike have featured Moore’s newest solution, and testing is still being done. the research. What’s more, the discovery earned Moore and his What is clear, however, is that once Moore is fi nished and his research colleagues a coveted place on the Scientifi c Ameri- discovery is released, no one will ever look at a mechanical can’s “Top Fifty Finest” list, which recognizes outstanding fracture in quite the same way. ■

16 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Heckert Endows Chair and Harold R. Snyder Graduate Fellowship

RECENTLY, THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY RECEIVED A GIFT FROM ONE OF scientist in the experimental station laboratories in the central its most accomplished, yet humble alums: Dr. Richard research department, Heckert quickly moved through the E. Heckert. This endowed gift allowed the department to ranks, holding multiple positions in his time with the DuPont establish a distinguished chair as well as a graduate fellowship. Company, including supervisor of the fi lm department in the Born in Oxford, Ohio, in 1924, Heckert spent the years Cellophane Research and Development Laboratory; plant following World War II studying organic chemistry at Illinois manager of the Circleville, Ohio, Mylar Plant; director, senior with Dr. Harold R. Snyder, his graduate advisor. Snyder had a vice president and member of the executive committee; presi- profound infl uence on the lives and careers of his students. dent and chief operating offi cer of DuPont Operations; vice Indeed, Heckert attributes his success to his mentor. In 1937, chairman and chief operating offi cer; and fi nally as chairman Snyder had taken an academic position at the University of and chief executive offi cer. At every step Heckert’s accomplish- Illinois, returning to his educational roots—he graduated ments were matched by his desire to lead an already successful with a B.S. from Illinois in 1931—after spending one year in company to newer and better heights. industry. Though he was new on the scene, Snyder quickly Corporate and industrial competition for DuPont Company excelled in his role as an educator and researcher. He, Roger was exceptionally fi erce in the 1980s, fueled by rising energy Adams, Carl “Speed” Marvel, and R.C. Fuson, became known and raw material costs and an increasing number of compet- as the “Big Four” at Illinois. ing organizations. Stepping into the role of CEO at the height The endowed chair is named the Richard E. Heckert Chair of this competition in 1986, Heckert brought his customer- in Chemistry and an endowed graduate fellowship honors centered approach to bear on the diffi culties plaguing DuPont. Snyder. Modest and unpretentious, at fi rst Heckert, who Placing emphasis on marketing efforts, building successful graduated from Illinois with a A.M./M.A. degree in 1947 and areas while trimming back weaker sectors, and consolidat- a Ph.D. in 1949, did not wish to have the chair named after ing and reorganizing departments to better serve customers, himself, preferring instead that it be named after Snyder, Heckert helped DuPont maintain its position as an industry acknowledging his debt of gratitude to his mentor. With the leader despite the competition. urging of senior offi cials in the Foundation, and the request Several years ago Fortune magazine described Heckert as of the Department of Chemistry, Heckert agreed to allow the a “gregarious, relaxed, and unfl appable… 6-foot-3, friendly chair to be in his name. “Dick’s extraordinary generosity is bear of a boss,” but Heckert has not let his success in industry already having an enormously positive impact on our faculty consume all his attention. Throughout his life, he has been a and students,” noted Steven Zimmerman, Head of the Depart- committed philanthropist and volunteer. He has held posi- ment of Chemistry. “It is wonderful that such a great friend tions such as president of the United Way of Delaware; trustee to our department could honor an Illinois great like Harold and chairman of the board of the Carnegie Institute of Wash- Snyder, while at the same time allowing us to recognize one ington; president of Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, of our most successful alums.” Penn.; member of the Advisory Commission for Trade Negotia- Heckert has established himself as a leader in his own tions; chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers; chosen arena: the DuPont Company. Beginning as a research and trustee of the Delaware Council on Economic Education. ■

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 17 DONORS

Classroom Dedicated in Honor of Dr. Howard P. Hetzner

A native of Illinois, Hetzner was born on April 15, 1916, almost 92 years to the day from the classroom dedication. As a graduate of Illinois, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1936 and went on to study at the University of Michigan, obtaining his Ph.D. in 1939. Following graduation, he went to work for Standard Oil of California as a research chemist, staying with that company until 1942. At that time, and until 1944, he served his country as a petroleum special- ist for the Petroleum Administration for War in Washington, D.C. After the war, he returned to industry, working in many high-level positions until his retirement in 1977. Throughout his years in industry, Hetzner never forgot his alma mater, and worked hard to make certain that other students benefi ted from the same quality education that he had received. In 1996, he established the C.S. Marvel Fel- lowship, in honor of his undergraduate research mentor, Dr. Carl “Speed” Marvel. As a part of his contribution, Hetzner committed himself to fully support three graduate students Dr. Steven Zimmerman, Dr. Peter V. Hetzner, Mrs. Martha Hetzner-Nilson, and Dr. annually, ensuring that they would be funded as they grow as Andrew Gewirth outside the newly dedicated Hetzner classroom. scholars and researchers during their time at Illinois. On October 30, 2004, Hetzner passed away. Before his death, he set in motion the process to contribute funds for ON APRIL 18, 2008, MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY the renovation of Noyes Laboratory. Following his death, Het- gathered to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Howard P. Hetzner with zner’s children, Dr. Peter V. Hetzner and Mrs. Martha Hetzner an inspiring event: the dedication of the Howard P. Hetzner Nilsen, along with the Department of Chemistry, could think classroom in Noyes Laboratory. Part of a years long renovation of no greater tribute to the man who had given so much to project of Noyes Laboratory, the Hetzner classroom showcases Illinois than to use these funds in part to dedicate a class- state-of-the-art technology, beautiful and spacious seating, room in his name. In recognition of this generous contribu- new furnishings, and a completely remodeled interior. tion, a plaque honoring and celebrating a person who gave This wonderful new classroom would not have been pos- much, achieved much, and will never be forgotten now sible without the foresight, generosity, and determination of hangs on the wall outside the Howard P. Hetzner classroom Hetzner and his family. located at 165 Noyes Lab. ■

18 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry DONORS

Never Forgetting a Mentor: Buhrke Honors G.L. Clark

WHEN ASKED ABOUT EVENTS tion, most signifi cantly in the areas of research, engineer- that lead to a particular ing, applications, training, consulting, and management. He path in life, some point served as chief editor for landmark texts, the chief engineer to the impact of a single and manager of the Picker Analytical and Nuclear Division, individual. For Dr. Victor and started his own company. He co-edited the book A Practi- Buhrke, an Illinois gradu- cal Guide for the Preparation of Specimens for X-Ray Fluores- ate in chemistry whose cence and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis, which is considered a education and talent has landmark in the fi eld. For his numerous contributions, he lead him to high-level received the prestigious Jenkins Award in 2005. positions within the Throughout his many successes, however, Buhrke never DuPont Company, forgot the difference that his graduate advisor had made RCA, and Picker X-Ray, in his life, from offering leadership and insight during that person was none his academic years at Illinois, to providing a key other than his gradu- recommendation that helped Buhrke ate advisor, Dr. George secure a job at RCA in the early portion Lindenberg Clark. of his career. Buhrke obtained his To honor Clark, and to memorial- Dr. Victor and Janet Buhrke B.S. in chemistry in 1950, ize his legacy in Illinois chemistry for and was accepted into the years to come, Buhrke and his wife, graduate program that Janet, chose to commemorate their same year, where he started working with G.F. Smith. In 1952 friend with a gift that rededicated the he transferred to Dr. George Lindenberg Clark’s group. Known main lecture hall, 100 Noyes Labora- as “G.L.” to his students, Clark became a faculty member in tory, as G. L. Clark Hall. Refurbished chemistry in 1927. An established leader in the chemical fi eld, and redesigned, G.L. Clark Hall now is he created the fi rst analytical x-ray laboratory in the United providing space for the education of States at the University. According to the American Chemical thousands of students each year with Society (ACS), he studied and became an expert in the “appli- state-of-the-art technology, new seat- cation of x-rays in science, industry and medicine” while ing and equipment, and other innova- at Illinois. Utilizing x-rays, he undertook stress analyses to tive features that will aid in teaching discover whether certain metals were defective. The ACS also many facets of chemical knowledge. notes that in 1945 he undertook the development of an x-ray “We gain immense satisfaction in tube that, in extremes, could withstand the heat created by knowing that G.L. will be memorial- exposure to more than 50,000 volts of electricity. Using this ized with his name and image appearing in perpetuity at the tube, Clark could take x-ray pictures in mere seconds, rather entrance and within 100 Noyes,” said Buhrke. “We hope that than in minutes, as had previously been required. all students who have the privilege of hearing lectures in Following in Clark’s footsteps, Buhrke made numerous Clark Auditorium will honor his memory with us.” ■ advances in the fi eld of x-ray fl uorescence and x-ray diffrac-

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 19 Share our Vision

Brilliant Futures The Department of Chemistry at Illinois, with its extraor- creating educational programs (e.g., travel awards) dinary history and outstanding students and faculty, for deserving students. This fund will not reduce the is widely recognized as a major force in chemical support currently provided by the campus because research and education. Our goal is to continue our State budget is more than 85 percent dedicated to compete with the most elite departments in the to salaries and generally set by formula. country, many of which are private and benefi t from very large endowments. As can be seen in the chart Documented Impact and Stewardship. A publically on the next page, a very small percentage of our disseminated annual report will be generated to show budget comes from the State of Illinois and increas- the market value, growth, and income of the Vision ingly we are relying on the generosity of our alumni. 2020 fund. Most importantly, we will detail how the fund’s income was used in the previous year so that As you know, the University of Illinois has initiated a the impact of every gift will be seen. major $2.25 billion fund raising campaign known as Brilliant Futures. The Department of Chemistry has set Donor Recognition. Each donor to Vision 2020 will be its own ambitious goal of raising $60 million. Thanks to acknowledged in the annual report and in the Depart- the remarkable generosity of our alumni and friends, ment of Chemistry News. At a donor’s request, gifts and corporate and foundation donors, we have can be made anonymously. For major annual giving already reached 72 percent of our goal. However, we and annual pledge levels, donors will be permanently still have a long way to go. Last year of our more than recognized in Noyes Laboratory (see below for details). 6,400 living alumni, 435 made a gift to the depart- ment. This is less than 7 percent, a percent giving Giving in Honor of Another. A gift may be given in value that is about half that of our peer institutions. honor of a friend, family member, or an Illinois great. We know we can count on more of our alumni to step Acknowledge the impact of a research advisor or up to the plate. Please consider giving this year to our honor the memory of a loved one. The donor’s gift new Vision 2020 Fund, which is described below. will be listed as given in “honor of” or in “memory of.”

Special Recognition. For an annual gift to Vision 2020 The Vision 2020 Fund of $10,000 or a pledge of $2,000 per year for fi ve In creating the Vision 2020 fund, our goal is to years, an engraved brass nameplate will be perma- secure the future of our department by creating an nently installed on a seat in G. L. Clark Hall (formerly endowed fund, the annual income of which will allow 100 Noyes). For cumulative gifts above the $20,000 us to meet our most critical needs, such as recruiting level over a fi ve-year period, the donor will be further and retaining the best faculty and students, purchas- recognized on a permanent plaque in the main hall- ing equipment for the teaching laboratories, and way of Noyes Laboratory.

20 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry DONORS

Auxiliary & Departmental Opportunities for Major Gifts Operations (Bookstores, The Strategic Plan developed by the Chemical Housing, etc.) 13.4% Sciences Leadership Council and updated by the State Revenues Department of Chemistry in 2005 identifi ed several 18.6% areas where major gifts are most needed. Earnings, Misc. (Hospital & Medical Service Plans) Named Graduate Fellowships. The Provost’s matching 14.0% program provides a match of the annual income on endowed gifts of $250,000 or more designated for a Graduate Fellowship. The Named Fellowship, which Payments on Behalf Institutional honors the donor or an individual designated by the 11.3% donor, provides full support for a graduate student. Funds 7.2% It serves to recognize the most promising leaders of tomorrow, while at the same time helping us to recruit and retain outstanding students and faculty. U.S. Grants and Student Tuition Contracts / Federal and Fees Named Chairs and Professorships. Chairs and profes- Appropriations Private Gifts 15.9% 15.7% sorships are critical for recruiting and retaining top 3.9% faculty. Such appointments provide fl exible funds for faculty to explore new areas, purchase vital new equipment and instrumentation, or support under- graduate and graduate students. A gift of at least Did You Know? $3 million will endow a named chair that will support Only 18 percent of the Illinois budget comes from the State of the most accomplished faculty. A gift of $1.5 million Illinois. will endow a named professorship used for emerging The Department of Chemistry has nearly 10,000 total alumni. leaders in chemistry. Half of the Nobel Laureates among Illinois’ alumni and faculty have been associated with the Department of Chemistry. Other Opportunities. There are many other needs, • Paul C. Lauterbur – 2003, Physiology or Medicine from remodeling funds for Noyes Laboratory and the • Martin Rodbell – 1994, Physiology or Medicine Chemistry Annex to outreach and global programs, • Phillip A. Sharp – 1993, Physiology or Medicine • Rudy Marcus – 1992, Physiology or Medicine as well as programs supporting research. Please see • E. J. Corey – 1990, Chemistry our Web site (chemistry.illinois.edu) for more informa- • Robert W. Holley – 1968, Physiology or Medicine tion or feel free to call me at (217) 333-5071 or send • Vincent du Vigneaud – 1955, Chemistry me an e-mail ([email protected]). I welcome your • Wendell M. Stanley – 1946, Chemistry comments and hope that you help us maintain our • Edward A. Doisy – 1943, Physiology or Medicine tradition of excellence. How to Give Online at chemistry.illinois.edu/giving With Illinois pride, By mail: Department of Chemistry University of Illinois 107 Noyes Laboratory 505 South Mathews Avenue Urbana, IL 61801

Steve Zimmerman Please make checks payable to the University of Illinois Foundation, and designate Chemistry on your check.

Questions? Please contact us via phone at 217-333-5071 or email at [email protected].

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 21 DONORS

Members of the William Gold Society Alan H. Peterson Norman H. and Carolyn S. Terando Albert Noyes and Roger $50,000 to $100,000 Julie L. Pfeffer Doris C. Thomas Adams Club Silver Society Harold and Shirley E. Rosenberg Mark D. Timken and Hye Kyung C. Recognizing individuals who have $10,000 to $50,000 Janet C. Ruhl and Theodore H. Timken made major gifts to the Department James R. Beck Carski Lu Ho Tung of Chemistry. Manley R. and Mrs. Marian F. John P. and Helen S. Schaefer Winston S. Uchiyama James R. Beck Johnston George W. Schriver Gerald A. Weisenburger Eugene P. Bertin Elizabeth B. Morris Edward D. and Linda K. Slifer Lucile A. Brink $250 to $500 Ralph E. Telford Winston J. Wayne Victor and Janet Buhrke Hugh V. Anderson John Witt Jr. Warren B. Weisberg Lester E. and Kathleen A. Coleman Clyde E. and Lois W. Arntzen Lillian W. Witte Leslie M. and Phyllis I. Werbel Chia-chen Chu and Chi Lung Kang Craig P. Baskin Richard L. Young Joyce Eiszner Bronze Society Linda R. Brammer Steven S. and Susan Arena $5,000 to $10,000 John E. and Flossie Y. Gieseking Zumdahl Gaylen R. Brubaker William S. Anderson Melvin J. Gortatowski Ellen M. Cameron Lucile Adams Brink Orange and Blue Level William H. Gumprecht Robert L. Carlson Robert A. and Eleanor Anderson $500 to $1,000 Harriet A. Harlin Mark M. and Barbara Goldberg Flinn William E. Adcock Chamberlain Richard E. and Joanna Heckert William H. and Elizabeth N. Michael R. and Maria Hayes Bauer Zen-Yu and Hsingchih Tsiao Chang Howard P. Hetzner Gumprecht Keith C. Bible John G. Christensen Jr. Meredith Mallory Jr. E. Philip and Alice R. Horwitz Edward Bonfoy and Mildred James L. Copeland Peter C. and Gretchen M. Jiri Jonas Florana Giller Markunas Ron W. Crane Grant A. Krafft and Patricia S. Cain Gilbert W. and Velta Burton Rupert C. and Elizabeth B. Morris Norman R. Dean R. V. Lindsey Jr. William E. Chambers Maurice J. Peterson Mae Elizabeth Drickamer David A. and Carolyn J. Matthews Larry F. and Kathryn E. Seemon H. Pines Stephen J. Elledge David V. Milligan Charbonneau Herschel D. and Angela E. Porter Fred C. Falkner Steven C. Zimmerman Ciro Cirrincione Roger M. Freidinger Mark and Hilda Pytosh James N. Coker Shun Chong Fung Esther Ione Rhymer Legacy Builders Gladys Q. Dawson $2,500 to $5,000 Lynne M. and John P. Galligan Marlyn Whitsitt Rinehart Donald C. Dittmer Ronald L. and Gail L. Amey Jay K. and Mary A. Gunther Jay R. and Ann Schenck Peter K. and Carolyn W. Dorhout Alan R. and Joyce L. Branfman Patrick T. Hardesty and Linda G. Marvin T. Schmidt Eric K. and Joann M. Eisenhart Donald E. Burney Carter Paul V. Smith Jr. and Alta M. Smith John P. Folkers Ernest H. Drew Robert P. Hatch Robert and Carolyn Springborn William E. Garwood Alan K. Marumoto Wayne W. Henderson Ralph E. Telford Michael J. Gidley William H. Pittman Yngve Gust Hendrickson James G. Theivagt Pamela Burke Greene Mark R. and Donna Rolih James C. Hill Glenn E. and Barbara R. Ullyot George E. Hartwell Jr. and Ieva O. William E. Hoke and Elsa K. Tong Charles W. and Genevieve M. Julie E. Scheffl er Hartwell Walton Dennis J. Hoover Illini Club Brad R. Henke Hansen M. Hsiung John and Margaret Witt $1,000 to $2,500 Timothy J. and Carolyn P. Henly Roger E. Koeppe Michael and Louise Witte William M. Banick Jr. and Elizabeth Tom G. Holt Lewis I. Krimen Ann Banick James A. Jensen and Laura M. Gifts Received During 2007 Lee M. Chambers Babcock John G. Larson Flagship Society Gregory J. Kamla Michael D. Lowery $1,000,000 + Aldo J. Crovetti Eugene K. Maun Eugene P. Bertin Gerald R. Feistel Richard K. Kurz Robert J. McGorrin Jr. Victor and Janet Buhrke James F. Fisher Ving J. and May D. Lee James K. and Karen S. McKechnie Richard E. Heckert Walter W. Gale Robert E. and Dorothy J. McDonald Michael T. Mocella Robert and Carolyn Springborn Robert F. Green Paula S. Moffett Thomas R. Herrin Sandra L. Murawski Harold W. Moore Platinum Society Raymond V. and Lori L. Janevicius George W. Parshall Catherine J. Murphy $500,000 to $1,000,000 James Stanley Kaltenbronn Daniel J. and Marna C. Pippel Eric D. Nyberg Meredith Mallory Jr. Kay F. Koch Thomas M. Remec and Susan C. Charles D. Olson Morisato Iridium Society Thomas M. and Mary S. Krigas Philip J. Pizzolato $100,000 to $500,000 Ralph J. Leary Robert A. Scherrer Charles F. Porter Mark A. Pytosh Terence M. Lenhardt Daniel M. Schmitt Maria Ladle Ristow Esther Ione Rhymer James J. Li Michael L. and Susan B. Schmitz George J. Rotariu Marlyn Whitsitt Rinehart Donald S. Matteson Stephen M. Smith Paul A. Sandford Robert I. Mink William C. Smith Michael C. Saylor

22 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry DONORS

Steven R. and Diana J. Schmid Donald L. DeVries Leonard Laskin Gregory M. Rasp Thomas W. Seabright Stephen J. Doktycz Curtis T. Laush Jr. Donald C. Rau Roger and Marilyn Y. Searle Ronald P. Durbin Mary E. Lawson William A. Remers Wilbur J. Shenk Jr. Clifford E. Dykstra David S. Leader and Susan R. Steven I. Richter Douglas A. Shepherd Daneen Edmond Litteken- Leader David A. Rivera Ashok S. Shetty Gunther L. Eichhorn David Y. and Shu Lee Edgar R. Rogier Carlyle E. Shoemaker Ernest L. and Eva Eliel Haakil and Mihee Lee Jeffrey S. and Elizabeth C. Ross Richard D. Stratton Robert C. Fay H. Eugene LeMay Jr. Reb John Russell II George Chung Su Benjamin F. Fieselmann and Lynn Thomas P. Lessaris Gregory Linn Schmidt Jerry A. Walker C. Francesconi Mark H. Levin Paul G. Shekelle Leigh E. Walker Raymond J. Finney Stephanie A. and Mark W. Mabry Joseph F. Shekleton Richard H. Wieder Charles H. Fisher Diana J. Mackie Brock M. Siegel Sanford T. Young Richard M. and Sheryl K. Forbis Robert F. Majewski Carl W. Sigel Yifan Zhang and Cindy Yueqing Robert L. Foster Franklin E. Mange David L. and Mary A. Sikkenga Zuo James E. and Carole K. Gano Robert J. McMahon Patricia J. Silver William E. Garrison Seymour and Jacqueline C. Meisel $100 to $250 Kevin K. Smith Alan R. Gerling Robert R. and Patty Merkel Thomas V. and Theresa M. Alfredson Michael J. Sofi a Jules M. Goldspiel Kathleen M. Miller Anson H. and Charlotte G. Andrist George P. Speranza Nancy L. Good Stephen J. Miller Peter G. Arvan Philip R. Stafford Charles T. and Margaret A. Thomas G. Miller Edwin C. and Doris Lee Steiner Maurice J. and Mary Welch Goodhue Baillargeon William H. Miller John M. Stewart Steven T. Govoni Charles T. Baker Terry W. Milligan Robert B. Szydlo Timothy E. and Therese C. Graff Monica H. Baloga Jon G. and Susan J. Moehlmann Louis J. Tichacek James V. Gruber Terrell M. Balthazor Bruce M. and Elizabeth M. Monroe Mark A. Tracy James E. Guilford Jr. Robert J. Basalay Sung Moon J. John Uebel William J. Guilford Sandra and Peter A. Beak Keith Morgan and Karen Hassett John W. Van Dyke Jr. Randolph J. Guschl Donald J. Bednarczyk Mary Louise and Jack S. Morrison Earle M. Van Heyningen Bruce C. Hamper Richard N. Biagioni Victor Hon Moy Frederick W. Walschot James J. and Ellen Sathre Harms James E. Bittell James S. and Patricia L. Muirhead Tom Walter Richard L. Harris Eleanor M. Blaha James P. Nelson Bennie R. Ware J. Bradley and Lucia D. Harrison Herbert J. Bluhm Robert J. Niedzielski Sr. and Mary A. William R. Waud Willard W. Harrison Niedzielski Michael T. Bowers Lawrence K. White and Patricia L. LeRoy W. Haynes Richard A. Niemann Terry J. Burkhardt Cavender Gary L. Hedden Sean C. and Jennifer A. O’Brien Alan K. and Mary E. Burnham Donald E. Woessner Ranger D. Hemenway Joseph D. Overman Richard W. Bush Joseph and Sheila L. Wolinsky W. Brian Hill Robert A. and Mary E. Penneman Janet L. Butterbaugh Mr. David L. Woracek Jonathan Z. Ho James A. Perry Stephen R. Byrn John C. Wright Edgar Howard Jr. Douglas W. Phillipson John H. Callahan Marina Yao Mary G. Howell David W. Piotrowski Kenneth B. Camacho Naijie Zhang Scott Richard and Patricia Anne Robert E. Putnam Margherita Cantorna Paul A. Zimmerman Hunter Brian R. Pyszka Robert H. Carnighan Clark D. and Patricia A. Jensen E. Louis Caron Richard L. Johnson Orwin L. Carter Frederick D. and Ruby Kung Yu Ju Jack C. Chang Michael A. Kamrath H. N. Cheng Glendall L. King Max E. Chiddix Thomas H. Kinstle Edward J. Conklin Joel L. Kirkpatrick David R. Corbin and Deborah L. Joseph L. Kirsch Jr. Liczwek Jerald W. Koepke If you do not wish your name to be listed in future giving reports of the James O. Corner Milton S. Konecky Department of Chemistry, please contact us at: Jay and Nancy D. Corwin Roger H. Kottke Merle M. Cowee Department of Chemistry Karen Lenore Kramer University of Illinois Gregory L. Cramer Michael A. Kropp 107 Noyes Laboratory Richard J. D’Amato Dale A. and Carol L. Kruep 505 South Mathews Avenue Qing Dai Urbana, IL 61801 Mitchell L. and Dorothy E. Kurtzweil Rachel K. Dare Lori W. Lankow Email: [email protected] Jennifer L. Deluhery

University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Fall/Winter 2008 | 23 ALUMNI

Alumni Notes

James E. House, Ph.D.1970, QA/QC spectrometer, an Bailar, is the author of imaging microscope and Inorganic Chemistry, which three software packages. He was released by Academic traveled internationally (Spain, Press in August 2008. Since China, Japan, Israel, Sweden, becoming an emeritus Norway and more) for the professor at Illinois State launches. He is currently University in Normal, Ill., he has involved with international served on several occasions customer support and product as an adjunct professor at development and taught for Illinois Wesleyan University and 15 years at The University of is teaching there again this Connecticut and Valparaiso academic year. University, and worked in the product development division Ikram M. Said, Ph.D., 1977, of Abbott Laboratories. Robert M. Coates, has only visited the Illinois Kira G. Kruglikova, M.S. We’d like to hear from you. Submit your campus once since his Inorganic, 1986, left the alumni note. Visit chemistry.illinois.edu/ 1977 graduation. He says U.S. Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia, alumni/chem_alum_news.html that readers may fi nd it and has been seconded from interesting to note that in the U.S. Foreign Service to Malaysia the mandatory the United Nations Offi ce in retiring age for professors is Geneva, where she works in its 56 (has since been revised Conference Services Division. to 58 last month). He is still employed as a professor of David Huffman, Ph.D. 1994, In Memoriam chemistry (professors are Suslick, received tenure at allowed to continue until 65, Western Michigan University in David Webb Herlocker, M.A. James Wesley Berry, Ph.D. on a contract basis) doing the summer of 2007. He was 1964, Ph.D. 1966. Former chair 1953. Berry died at age 82 at research in natural products. on sabbatical at the University of the Chemistry Department Mountain View Care Center He states that being one of of Florence 2007-08. Last of McDaniel College, in Tucson, Ariz. Born March the few graduates from the May, he and his wife Ruthann Herlocker, died recently of 23, 1926, in Rankin, Ill., Berry United States at his university celebrated their 25th wedding heart failure at age 67. Born in served with distinction in has been an added value to anniversary in Florence and Chicago and raised in Peoria, the U.S. Army in 1944-1945. his career, as he reached the then took a trip to Austria. His Ill., Herlocker attended Knox Following World War II, he post of deputy vice chancellor daughter Rachel is 16 and son College, where he achieved a achieved a Ph.D. degree in before he retired. Randy is 20. Randy is studying bachelor’s degree in chemistry organic chemistry from the graphic design. in 1967. At the University University of Illinois. In 1956, he Sander (Sandy) Mills, Ph.D. of Illinois, he obtained a left to pursue an academic 1983, Beak, was recently Mike Wong, Ph.D., 1996, master’s degree and a Ph.D. in career as a professor of promoted to the high-level Suslick, has moved to Newport inorganic chemistry. In 1966, chemistry at the University of position of vice president of Beach, Calif., to be closer to Herlocker took a position Arizona. There, he received basic research at Merck & his family. He previously lived teaching at Western Maryland the William V. Cruess Award Co., Inc. and worked in New Jersey for College, where he later for Teaching. He is survived by 10 years and now works for became department chair fi ve sons, Michael, John, Peter, Michael Bradley, Ph.D. 1985, Henkel, a consumer product and founder of the college Thomas, and Steve, as well as Jiri Jonas, was deeply involved company with brands such as chapter of the chemistry numerous grandchildren and in developing the fi ve new Dial, Renuzit, Soft Scrub, got2b, honor society, Gamma Sigma great-grandchildren. His wife, products just released by and Purex. He is the director Epsilon. He is survived by his Alice, preceded him in death Thermo’s FT-IR group: a of R&D in charge of hair care. son, David; daughter, Caryn; in 1998. his brother, William; his sister, Linda; and two grandchildren.

24 | Fall/Winter 2008 University of Illinois Department of Chemistry Staff

Editor Megan Peterson

Assistant Editor Krista Smith

Project Manager Maeve Reilly Sarah Williams

Graphic Designer Claire Napier

Photography Mark Buchanski, Kalamazoo Gazette Chappell Photography Megan Peterson Thompson-McClellan Photography University of Illinois Foundation

Head of the Department of Chemistry Steven C. Zimmerman

Department of Chemistry Offi ce: 107 Noyes Laboratory 505 South Mathews Avenue Urbana, Illinois 61801

phone | 217.333.5071 fax | 217.244.5943

[email protected] chemistry.illinois.edu

Produced by Creative Services | Department of Chemistry. The University of Illinois is an equal opportunity, affi rmative action institution. Printed on recycled paper with soybean ink. 09.074. Chemistry Building circa 1907.

Department of Chemistry 107 Noyes Laboratory Non-Profi t Org. U.S. Postage 505 South Matthews Avenue Paid Champaign, IL Urbana, IL 61801 Permit No. 75