George R. Newkome, Ph.D., and his wife, Mary Jane Saunders, Ph.D., have pledged $1 million to fund a first-ever professorship in materials science in 91ֿ’s College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Newkome is a two-time 91ֿ alumnus.
“George and Mary Jane both have a passion and desire to advance scientific discovery,” said 91ֿ President Beverly J. Warren. “We are so pleased that they recognize and appreciate 91ֿ’s upward trajectory in advanced materials science and have chosen to support the recruitment and retention of talented faculty members.”
Dr. Newkome has a long and distinguished affiliation with 91ֿ. A native of Akron, Ohio, he received a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in chemistry in 1961 and 1966, respectively, from the College of Arts and Sciences. He currently works in the Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Dr. Saunders is the former president of FAU, and she currently serves as a professor of biological sciences at FAU.
Their gift will support the George R. Newkome Endowed Professorship in Materials Science, a first-time gift to the new Materials Science Program. The fund will provide competitive compensation and research support for especially promising faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences. Recipients will receive an annual award from the fund to further their research and professional development as teachers and scholars.
“I am so appreciative of the professors that I had while getting my B.S. and Ph.D. at 91ֿ,” Dr. Newkome said. “The outstanding education I received enabled me to have a successful career as a researcher, professor and university administrator. I see that same kind of vision in President Warren and her academic and leadership team. It gives me great pleasure to be able to help support new faculty in the area of materials science as part of the strategic future for 91ֿ and Northeast Ohio.”
Dr. Newkome serves with distinction as an active member of the 91ֿ College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. In 2016, he received the university’s prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award. He has served on the board of numerous corporations and editorial boards, and he has published more than 500 papers and articles, 55 patents and edited or written more than 20 scientific books and monographs.
“George is 91ֿ through and through,” said James L. Blank, dean of 91ֿ’s College of Arts and Sciences. “His gift comes at a time when we are making substantial investments, both in research and education. George’s gift will have a major impact on students for decades to come.”