Dear friends of the college,

In the Faces of Penn State section, the past few issues of Science Journal have highlighted some of the faculty members who make the Eberly College of Science the remarkable place that it is. This issue of Science Journal recognizes more of the faculty of the college, focusing on holders of named positions.

Since 1960, some of the University’s most distinguished faculty members have been recognized by appointment as Evan Pugh Professors.

Evan Pugh professorships have been very significant in recognizing and retaining outstanding faculty members in the Eberly College of Science. Eleven of the University’s twenty-one active Evan Pugh Professors are members of the Eberly College of Science.

These distinguished faculty members are extremely important to the college’s continuing growth in excellence. They bring exceptional records of accomplishment and outstanding research and training programs, and serve as mentors and role models for students, postdoctoral fellows, and young faculty members.

In the last fifteen years, endowed faculty positions have become essential to the college’s growth in stature and accomplishment.

The Eberly Family gift was a transforming gift because it empowered the college to recruit and retain the scientific leaders who could help move the college to the next level. It did that by establishing an endowed faculty chair in each of the college’s departments.

Endowed positions are used to recognize outstanding records of accomplishment among the college’s faculty. They are also a key to recruiting distinguished faculty members.

As the college grows in stature and reputation, we find ourselves in ever-growing competition for the world-class faculty who will sustain the college and carry it further. In this increasingly competitive environment, endowed faculty positions, with their recognition of distinguished faculty members and support for the salaries and programs of these faculty members, have become an essential tool.

The endowments in the college truly provide the margin of excellence, and none are more important than the endowments for faculty positions. Without these endowed positions, the college would not be the vibrant place it is today.

An endowed position provides financial support for the faculty member’s salary and/or teaching and research programs. Even though most endowed position holders have very substantial research support, the flexible support from the endowment is extremely valuable. This kind of support allows exploration of new areas of research and immediate response to sudden needs or new ideas.

The recognition brought by an endowed position is also very important. A named position is appropriately viewed as the highest academic rank. Even the most pragmatic faculty members, who might say that the only important thing is their ability to get their work done, are motivated by the recognition brought by an endowed position.

I know from my own experience the kind of boost that appointment to an endowed position can bring. As the Dean of the Eberly College of Science, I am privileged to hold the Verne M. Willaman Dean’s Chair, which was activated earlier this year thanks to the remarkable support of the college’s very good friend, Verne Willaman.

Although I know that the dean’s chair recognizes whoever happens to be the dean of the college, I admit to feeling very good about the recognition brought with the dean’s chair and proud to carry the name of one of the college’s most generous supporters.

As I write this note to you, I can’t help but notice that today, December 11, falls on a Tuesday, just as September 11 did this year.

I’m sure we all find ourselves measuring all sorts of things in reference to the terrible attacks that occurred on that date. Those attacks were attacks on rationality, on freedom, on hope and love, and optimism.

Especially in the context of those and related recent events, I feel very fortunate to be strongly connected to the faculty, students, alumni, staff, and friends of our college, who are applying their talents, energies, and resources to making the world a better place. Their accomplishments give me much optimism about the future, including the future of this remarkable college of ours.

Sincerely,

Daniel J. Larson
Dean, Eberly College of Science

To Science Journal Spring 2002 Index

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