University honors and awards

College of Engineering and Science (CoES) faculty received several university-level awards this year.

The President’s Commission on the Status of Women created its Distinguished Contributor Award to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions toward improving the quality of life for women.

The 2006 honoree is Tom Keinath, dean of the College of Engineering and Science. Keinath (left) has been a consistent advocate for women in the traditionally male-dominated engineering and science fields. In 1996, he founded Clemson’s highly regarded Women in Science and Engineering Program, which provides a support system for women students and faculty in his college. He also implemented a flexible maternity policy for tenure-track women and recruited two women as department chairs. Keinath was described as “an administrator who uses his status and leadership to promote the status of women at all levels and ranks in his college, not only in words but with substantial concrete actions.”

The Outstanding Research Award, given annually by Clemson’s Alumni Association to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding ability and commitment to research, was presented to chemistry professor Rudy A. Abramovitch.

Abramovitch came to Clemson in 1977 as chairman of the chemistry and geology departments, a position he held until 1982. His research interests include microwave chemistry, and his work in this area may lead to development of a microwave technique to decompose PCBs in Lake Hartwell.

Murray Daw, professor of physics and astronomy, received the Centennial Professorship Award, a rotating bi-annual award given by the Clemson University faculty to an outstanding colleague who is tenured or in a tenure-track appointment. The professorship is supported by an endowment jointly funded by the Clemson University faculty, friends and a matching grant from the Commission on Higher Education that results in an award of approximately $12,000 per year.

Gary Lickfield, professor of textile and polymer science, was presented the Frank A. Burtner Award. The award honors Frank Burtner, who served Clemson University for many years as a professor and student organization adviser. The annual award is given for contributions to student development in leadership, devotion to duty and service to students.

Since 1962, Clemson has named Alumni Distinguished Professors to recognize, reward and support excellence in teaching at the university. This year, two CoES faculty received the honor: Serji N. Amirkhanian (below, left), civil engineering, and William F. Moss (below, right), mathematical sciences.

Earnest is published by the College of Engineering and Science at Clemson University for the alumni and friends of the College. Subscriptions are free upon request.

Send any comments/questions to: Ron Grant (email: Rong@clemson.edu)
College Relations/Marketing Director, Clemson University.