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R. W. Neithamer (1930 - 2002)
Dr. Richard W. Neithamer
1930 - 2002
Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
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| Dr. Richard "Dick" Neithamer, Professor Emeritus in the
chemistry department at Eckerd College, passed away on February 16,
2002. As someone who worked at Eckerd from 1964 until 1991, and who
maintained ties up until his death, Dick knew more about the
department's evolution than anyone else. He was our link to the
college's first classes in the early 1960's. |
| During his Eckerd years Dick Neithamer taught almost every
chemistry course at one time or another. One semester he even
taught five laboratory sections for our students, as
opposed to telling students that our general chemistry course was
filled. He was also active in supervising senior research projects
and in interdisciplinary work. His administrative duties included
stints as chair of our department and of the Natural Science
Collegium (Division), and a turn as Director of Eckerd's London
Study Centre. |
| By the time I arrived at Eckerd College (1978), Dick was
becoming interested in a new area of science, mineralogy. He
designed a mineralogy Winter Term project for our students and
introduced mineralogical topics into our Advanced Inorganic
Chemistry course. Actually it may have been the faculty
who needed instruction. Dick once announced that he was going to a
Tucson mineral show. I well recall a quick geology lesson when I
referred to it casually as a "rock show." |
| Most current Eckerd chemistry students probably never met Dick
Neithamer, but his influence is present in many ways. It was Dick
who sought, or rather fought for, American Chemical Society
certification for our program, finally getting it in 1984.
Chemistry still stands as one of the few Eckerd departments where
graduates can receive outside certification for their Eckerd
degree. Dick Neithamer also designed the B.A. degree for our
chemistry program. It was Dick who began using bound notebooks in
our lab courses, adding a strong writing component into even
beginning chemistry classes. And it was Dick who recruited four of
the current faculty (Guida, Hudson, Soli, and Grove), and who
encouraged them to be innovative in teaching, active in research,
and persistent in writing proposals. |
| I could write a great deal concerning my own interactions with
Dick Neithamer, but I'll simply add two more comments. First, Dick
was the best freshman chemistry lab instructor I have ever seen.
Case closed. Second, in 1984 Dick encouraged me to apply for a
research program with NASA. I did, and I've been collaborating with
NASA scientists ever since. It has been an enriching, productive
experience for me, taking me coast-to-coast and overseas. |
Given below is Dick's obituary which appeared last week in the
St. Petersburg Times. In no way does it adequately convey
Dick's work with Eckerd College, his dedication to Eckerd's goals,
and his love of science and teaching. -- Thanks for all your hard
work, Dick. We'll miss you.
- - Reggie L. Hudson, Professor of Chemistry,
2/25/2002
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The following information appeared in the St. Petersburg
Times on February 19, 2002:
NEITHAMER, DR. RICHARD WALTER, 72, of St. Petersburg, died
Saturday (Feb. 16, 2002) at home. Born in Wesleyville, Pa., he came
here in 1964 from Terre Haute, Ind. He retired in 1991 as a
chemistry professor at Eckerd College. He earlier taught at Lebanon
Valley College, East Texas State University and Rose-Hulman
Institute. He was a member of the board of trustees of First
Presbyterian Church and Suncoast Manor Foundation and the board of
directors of the St. Petersburg Boy's Choir. He also was a member
of technical advisory committees for the St. Petersburg Department
of Public Works, the Clean Air Coalition, the St. Petersburg
Science Center and Region VIII of the state Energy Action
Committee. He received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from
Allegheny College and a doctorate from Indiana University. He was a
Mason and a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, Phi Lamda Upsilon,
Society of Sigma Xi, American Chemical Society, American
Association of University Professors and the American Association
for the Advancement of Science. He was a fellow of the American
Institute of Chemists. He was listed in American Men of Science,
Who's Who in American Education, Who's Who in the South &
Southwest, Leaders in American Science and the Dictionary of
International Biography. Survivors include his wife of 44 years,
Jeanette Burton Neithamer; a son, Dr. David R. Neithamer, Midland,
Mich.; and three grandchildren. [Tammy Mason-Anderson]
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