December 2006

Dear Chemistry Alumni,

Things are really hopping here in the department.  It is hard to believe the fall semester is almost over.  This little note is our way of keeping you abreast of departmental functions.

On a rainy October 21, 2006, the Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry was dedicated at the Multidisciplinary Research Building.  The rain did not dampen the spirits of the 100 people who attended the dedication ceremony.  Gini Adams and her family were guests of honors at the dedication which included comments by Dean Joe Steinmetz of the College; Dean Ken Audus from Pharmacy; Dr. George Wilson, Vice Provost for Research; Dr. Susan Lunte, Ralph N. Adams Distinguished Professor; Dr. Ted Kuwana, Regents Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Chemistry; and Lisa Boley, representing the family.   The dedication included a museum of “Buzz’s” old equipment, student thesis and a collage of pictures from the departmental files.

After the dedication, a group of 75 headed over to Nichols Hall for lunch and a symposium on Bioanalytical Chemistry.  Individuals presenting talks on their research were Dr. Susan Lunte and Dr. Heather Desaire from the KU Chemistry Department, and Dr. Bita Moghaddam, from Penn State and Dr. Mark Wightman, from the University of North Carolina, both of whom are former students of Buzz Adams.

The evening ended with a dinner held at the Alvamar Country Club where members of the Adams group spoke about Buzz and his commitments to education and research.  There were twenty-five former students or technicians in attendance.  Gini Adams thanked all of those who came back to honor Buzz and his legacy research.

If you are interested in reading or seeing pictures of the dedication you can visit the departmental web site www.chem.ku.edu  and go to the Adams Institute Dedication.

When you visit the departmental web site you will notice a few changes.  The site has been upgraded and has a distinctive new look.   There is a section asking for information from our Chemistry Alumni.  It is our hope this year to locate all of our past friends and colleagues.  You can email the information to Elizabeth Long at elong@ku.edu.  We would really like to have email contact for all of our friends and alumni.

Dr. Marlin Harmony has completed a departmental history entitled “History of the KU Chemistry Department 1950-2000; A Personal Account”.  Marlin put a lot of time into this project and his work is commendable.  A copy of this document is now available on alumni web site for your reading pleasure.  We have two other history accounts, one that includes information through February 1925 and the other is titled “50 years in Bailey Chemical Laboratory”.  The department is considering combining all of the documents and publishing it as one book or pamphlet depending on demand from our alumni.  If you would be interested in having a copy, please email Elizabeth Long (elong@ku.edu).  If you have any thoughts or ideas to add, please also forward them to Elizabeth.

The department will be hosting Alumni dinners in connection with the Pitt Con conference and ACS meetings; both are being held in Chicago.  The dinner for Pitt Con is scheduled for February 25 and the ACS dinner on March 25.  If you would be interested in attending these dinners please email Elizabeth Long (elong@ku.edu).

These are just a few things happening in the department.  Don’t forget to email your current information to Elizabeth.  We hope to do a short letter every quarter to help keep our Alumni informed about our growing department. 

We want to wish you and your families a great holiday season.