Akron, Ohio, May 23, 2006 Fifty years ago, five scholars embarked on an historic journey at The University of Akron, entering the institution's inaugural Ph.D. program, in polymer chemistry.
Now, more than 1,000 doctoral degrees later, the university's College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and the Department of Chemistry will celebrate the 50th anniversary of that first Ph.D. program.
The celebration, to be held on the UA campus Aug. 9 to 12, will include a symposium on technology policy featuring Arden Bement, director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), and five symposia focused on emerging technologies. There will also be a family picnic, alumni banquet and campus tours.
The inaugural Ph.D. group Edgar E. Bostick, Marvin A. Deisz, William E. Gibbs, Ralph Milkovich and Masao Ohta played a unique role in the evolution of what would become a world-renowned institution for polymer education and research. The university's journey began in 1909 with the world's first courses in rubber chemistry and continued when it became a key participant in Allied efforts to develop synthetic rubber during World War II.
The university's polymer science and polymer engineering program has been rated second in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. There are 34 full-time faculty members and more than 200 graduate students.
The 50th anniversary of our doctoral program is indeed another milestone in our history; we are looking forward to an enjoyable and memorable celebration in the finest tradition of our polymer programs, says Dr. Frank Kelley, dean of the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. It will be an informative, educational and fun event for attendees and their families.
We're pleased to partner with polymer science and polymer engineering to host this historic celebration, says Dr. Michael Taschner, interim chair for the Department of Chemistry. It is particularly significant because of the synergy of our disciplines and the close relationship we share to this day.
The event schedule is:
Wednesday, Aug. 9 The celebration begins at noon with a family picnic at Wingfoot Lake Park, a private facility operated by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Thursday, Aug. 10 Symposia focusing on Emerging Technologies in Polymers. Morning sessions will be Polymeric Devices, by Dr. Timothy Swager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Biomaterials, Dr. Buddy Ratner, University of Washington; and Nanomaterials, Dr. Emmanuel Giannelis, Cornell University.
Afternoon sessions will be Green Chemistry, by Dr. Joseph DeSimone, University of North Carolina, and Supramolecular Ordering, by Professor Ludwik Leibler, Laboratoire Matiere Molle et Chimie ESPCI, Paris, France. Campus tours will follow.
Following a wine and cheese reception that evening will be a banquet hosted by Kelley and University of Akron President Luis M. Proenza. Activities for children will be held concurrently.
Friday, Aug. 11 Proenza will chair the symposium, Impact of Globalization on Technology Policy, featuring the NSF's Bement and other speakers. A cocktail party and student poster session will close the celebration that evening.
Saturday, Aug. 12 Local community events, for example, the National Hamburger Festival in downtown Akron.
We have developed a program of symposia and events that should encourage university alumni, friends and associates to attend this celebration of the premier global program in polymer science and engineering, Kelley said.
For more information and to register for the 50th anniversary of The University of Akron's first doctoral program, go to www2.uakron.edu/polymer/polymer50 or e-mail polymer50@uakron.edu or phone 330-972-7502.