Dean’s Corner

It has been quite a year for the College of Science. We’ve had some bad news and some good news. The economic recession in Utah threatened us with significant budget cuts, which, if implemented would have devastated our programs. I am happy to report that in the end, the cuts, while painful, were much more modest than had been projected, and that the college has not only survived, but was able to continue to build in some areas.

I want to thank all of you who, realizing the impact of the proposed cuts, made known your support for education and research in Utah. We will need this support again in the coming year, as the potential for serious cuts still exists.
The university has been wise in not freezing searches for new faculty, and this has resulted in some extraordinary hires in the College of Science. The newly-renamed Department of Physics and Astronomy has hired five new faculty, two in a new interdisciplinary area of biophysics, two in astronomy, and one in condensed-matter physics.
The Department of Biology was able to attract an extraordinary ornithologist whose studies of bird migration are world renowned and who supervises bird stations on three continents. This is part of a new emphasis on global ecology. A new Center for Global Ecology is being formed in partnership with faculty from the College of Mines and Earth Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the College of Social and Behavioral Science. This center will position the U to take a leadership role in the difficult and important studies needed to understand the challenges of global climate change.
As you can see from the articles in this newsletter, our faculty continue to excel. Professor Z. Valy Vardeny won the Rosenblatt Prize, the highest honor afforded a faculty member at the U. Professors Mario R. Capecchi and Cynthia J. Burrows were elected into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Professors Baldomero M. Olivera and C. Dale Poulter were inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. Olivera and Poulter bring to at least 35 the number of U faculty members elected to one of the National Academies during their careers. Many more science faculty had outstanding honors as well, and were recognized at the convocation ceremony.
We have continued our work on forming and expanding a College of Science Alumni Association. We are happy to report that it has its first president,
Mr. Bernard Price BS’88 MS’97, and an active program that is sure to engage many of our alumni and bring them back to events on campus. Read his comments on page three.
An event of particular importance was the celebration, in April, of the Henry Eyring legacy. Professor Eyring was a giant in physical chemistry – one of the truly outstanding scientists of the 20th century. In addition, he implemented many of the programs that make the College of Science such an outstanding place today. We also honored his three sons, each a graduate of the College of Science, who all went on to make important contributions to education in Utah and throughout the world. The gala event drew nearly 300 people, including students of Henry Eyring’s, important scientists, church leaders, and government dignitaries.
In order to continue honoring his legacy, we have established the Henry Eyring Legacy Fund, which enables alumni and other interested parties to financially support programs congruent with Henry Eyring’s vision.
Even in these difficult financial times, our friends and alumni have continued to give generously. I am particularly pleased with the increase in the number and kinds of student scholarships. A great example is the Thatcher Company scholarship, which provides a four-year, full-tuition scholarship. The college is grateful to all who contribute funds that can be used for student financial support. Even small contributions make a great difference.
This issue of Notebook marks the beginning of a new era for College of Science publications. The Notebook will be printed in smaller spring and fall bulletins in order to be more accessible and relevant to our readers. Each issue also will be available online and distributed electronically.
You, our alumni, are the best example of our success. Please stay in touch. We look forward to another great year in science and education at the U!