Event to honor Pitzer, his contributions as president

Kenneth Pitzer, the third president of Rice University, and his many accomplishments are the prime reasons that Rice is one of the most prestigious research institutions today. In recognition of his contributions, Melissa Kean, postdoctoral research associate in the George R. Brown School of Engineering, will present a lecture on Pitzer’s influence at Rice at 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 in McMurtry Hall, Anne and Charles Duncan Hall. Also at this lecture Kathleen Matthews, dean of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences, will present the newly created Pitzer-Schlumberger Chair and Fellowship to Robert Curl, professor of natural sciences and Nobel laureate.

When Pitzer took the helm as president in 1961, the university was still far better known for its superlative and rigorous undergraduate programs than for its small graduate programs. But Pitzer knew that university reputations worldwide were based almost entirely on the strength of their graduate offerings. So Pitzer took action and immediately energized the university. He recruited faculty members who were not only outstanding teachers but also eminent researchers. He paved the way for the development of unique research programs and departments. He launched a capital campaign to improve research facilities. All his efforts to draw the best and brightest paid off — the number of graduate students and faculty more than doubled during his tenure.

Among the accomplishments Pitzer achieved during his seven-year tenure: