The UNI Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Presents the 2007 Leland Wilson Endowed Lectureship

"The Magic and Mysteries of Water"
Professor Geri Richmond, University of Oregon

Monday, October 15, 2007

Maucker Union Ballroom
Buffet Dinner* begins at 6:00 pm

*Dinner costs $12.50/person, advanced reservation required, please contact Gaile Tolbert (319) 273-2437 for reservations. Please send check payable to: Wilson Lecture, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Northern Iowa, IA 50614

Abstract
Water is ubiquitous in our world. Nearly three-quarters of the earth's surface is covered with water.  Water constitutes two-thirds of the human body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body while removing toxins and waste from the body.  It regulates body temperature through perspiration, reduces friction between joints, and acts as a cushion between organs in order to protect them.  We know a lot about what it does but continue to be perplexed by some of the most fundamental issues regarding how it carries out many of these important tasks.  Join us for a conversation about the magic and mysteries of this elixir of life.

About the Speaker
Professor Geri Richmond holds the Richard M. and Patricia H. Noyes Professorship in Chemistry at the University of Oregon.  Richmond is recognized for her fundamental studies of molecular processes at water surfaces using state-of-the-art laser techniques.   She has received numerous national and international awards honors for these studies with over 150 publications to her credit.  Richmond is also known widely for her innovative science teaching and outreach efforts, particularly in developing science literacy courses, communicating science to the general public and encouraging more girls and women to follow science careers.

About the Leland Wilson Lectureship
Professor Leland Wilson, as first department head and professor in the Department of Chemistry, left a legacy of professionalism and integrity that the faculty and staff in the department hope to sustain. Professor Wilson had a profound impact on many students who studied chemistry during the more than 20 years that he was in the department. In addition, he affected the professional development of several of the faculty and staff in the department. The Leland Wilson Lecture Series was initiated in 1997 by colleagues, family, and former students to honor Professor Wilson's many contributions to the Department of Chemistry and the University of Northern Iowa community.
In July 2007, Dr. Mary Sue Coleman, current President of the Univeristy of Michigan and Professor Wilson's daughter, made a generous donation of $100,000 to fully endow this lectureship and ensuring its continual funding.

The Leland Wilson Lecture Series

1997 Dr. Mary Sue Coleman
President
University of Iowa

1998 Dr. Robert D. Koob
President
University of Northern Iowa

1999 Dr. Mark J. Kurth
Professor of Chemistry
University of California, Davis

2000 Dr. Steven M. Heilmann
Corporate Scientist
3M Corporate Research

2001 Dr. M. Dale Hawley
Professor of Chemistry
Kansas State University

2002 Dr. Becky Lewis
E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. Inc.

2003 Dr. John Talley
Microbia, Inc.

2004 Dr. Nancy Wilson Ashbach, M.D., M.B.A.
Professor of Health Policy
University of Denver
Family Physician

2005 Dr. Charles D. Huff
Staff Emergency Departmetn Physician
Mercy Hospital, Iowa City

2006 Dr. Paul G. Wenthold
Associate Professor
Purdue University

2007 Dr. Geri Richmond
Professor of Chemistry
University of Oregon

About Leland Wilson
Professor Leland Wilson, a native of Kentucky, joined the UNI faculty in 1955. He received a B.S. degree from Eastern Kentucky University, the M.S. from the University of Kentucky, and a Ph.D. from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Prior to coming to UNI, Wilson was a high school science teacher in Kentucky and Florida. He served as a radar maintenance officer in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

During his 24 years at UNI, Wilson taught physical science and chemistry, specializing in instrumental analysis, becoming an expert in a number of newly emerging instrumental techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. He was the first Department Head of the newly formed Department of Chemistry in 1968, and served in that capacity until 1975. He retired as professor of chemistry in 1979, and passed away in the summer of 1993 at the age of 79.

He was well respected and popular with both students and colleagues. With an infectious smile and an easy-going style, Wilson was able to motivate even the most reluctant students to expect more of themselves. His sense of fairness, his common sense, and his good nature made him a pleasure to be around.

The Leland Wilson Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 at the University of Northern Iowa. The scholarship fund was initiated by several alumni and friends who wanted to honor and pay tribute to their former teacher and mentor.

If you would like to contribute to the Leland Wilson Scholarship Fund,
please contact:

Dr. William Harwood, Head
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls IA 50614-0423
ph. 319-273-2437
fax 319-273-7127
email William.Harwood@uni.edu