As Kirk Shisler met and visited with Eastern Mennonite University alumni through the Suter Science Center capital campaign, the vice president for advancement was struck by the number of times he heard the names of Dr. Glenn M. Kauffman, Dr. Gary L. Stucky and Robert Yoder.
“These alumni were often medical professionals or working in the science fields, and remembered with great affection the mentorship of these professors,” Shisler said. “Naming the Advanced Chemistry Lab in their honor is a perfect way to commemorate their legacy of teaching, mentorship and scholarship. Of course, these gentlemen are part of a long, rich tradition of exemplary science instruction at EMU that continues to this day.”
The new Advanced Chemistry Lab in the renovated Suter Science Center is a learning space for upper-level students and the faculty who mentor them in labs and research related to analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology.
“Their fine legacy continues today with the recent and prestigious accreditation by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of our biochemistry program and the large number of students who go on to graduate and professional schools and successful careers afterwards,” he said. “It seems like nearly every week, we celebrate the successes of alumni like Ruth Maust ’13, who just earned a three-year graduate research scholarship from the National Science Foundation, or Blake Rogers ’14, who was National Physician Assistant Student of the Year.”
A gift in support of the lab naming honors past teachers and mentors and supports professors who are having similar impact today, he added.
To join in honoring these professors, visit the Suter Science Center campaign website.
Glenn M. Kauffman
In addition to chairing the chemistry department for many years, Glenn M. Kauffman is a Renaissance man who is skilled and conversant in a broad range of areas, including philosophy, theology, music, gardening and sports. His academic contributions extended beyond his specialty of organic chemistry to the pre-professional health sciences and the sciences in general. In retirement, Dr. Kauffman continues his many extra-curricular activities, including gardening. He is active in the American Rhododendron Society.
Gary L. Stucky (1941-2005)
Gary L. Stucky came to EMU to teach chemistry after several years with a private lab, including one year in tropical disease research with Mennonite Central Committee in Africa. He taught at EMU from 1972 to 1993, and also at Bethel College, University of Rochester (New York) and James Madison University. An enthusiastic teacher, he was also remembered for his care for others. He completed pastoral studies training at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and was commissioned as a chaplain by the Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA in 2003.
Robert D. Yoder (1929-2005)
Robert D. Yoder taught human biology, microbiology and immunology courses at EMU from 1963 to 1995 and was advisor to EMU’s medical technology students. A 1957 graduate, he earned a master’s degree from James Madison University and then served as a lab assistant to Dr. Daniel B. Suter in 1962. After completing the medical technology program at Rockingham Memorial Hospital during a 1977 sabbatical, Mr. Yoder worked in the laboratory there part time during the week and full time during summers doing blood chemistry analysis until his retirement. He also volunteered many hours at the Harrisonburg Free Clinic and as a laboratory technician in the Suter Science Center. An avid angler, birdwatcher and environmentalist, he was a former president of the Massanutten chapter of Trout Unlimited.
To join in honoring these professors, visit the Suter Science Center campaign website.
More on science at EMU
- Do I really want to be a doctor? EMU’s PPHS program prepares students for medical careers.
- More grants than ever are helping to fund student summer research at EMU.
- Blake Rogers ’14is the national Physician’s Assistant Student of the Year.
- Ruth Maust ’13 earns three-year doctoral research fellowship.
- Three students team up to carry on water quality research in Virginia mountain streams.
- A record number of chemistry students earned National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) in 2016.
- And if you’re curious about who is supervising this major project, here’s an article about Phil Martin ’81, who returned to his alma mater after “retiring” to provide oversight to the renovations.
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