In addition to the guest speaker Professor Daniel G. Nocera, Janet Martin (Daughter of Herman S. Bloch) and David and Ruth Kahn (Brother and Sister-in-law of Herman S. Bloch) also attended the lecture.
The Herman S. Bloch Lectureship recognizes scientific excellence in industry. It was endowed by the family and friends of Dr. Bloch as a memorial to a distinguished alumnus of the Department of Chemistry – a pioneer in his field of research, a leader in his profession, and a guiding force in his community. The award serves two purposes. The first is to recognize the achievements of chemists and chemical engineers who, working in industry as Dr. Bloch did throughout his career, have made outstanding contributions to science. This recognition is expressed in a medal presented to each Lecturer. The second purpose of the award is to promote creative dialog between academic and industrial researchers. Each Lecturer on his/her visit to the Department has extended discussion with faculty and students and gives a public lecture that addresses a major topic in industrial research. It is the hope of the donors that relationships will evolve from this event that enrich the science of industry and academia alike.
It is fitting that Herman S. Bloch is remembered in this way. His scientific career was singular, and it had indelible impact upon technology. Over his more than 40 years at Universal Oil Products he was awarded over 200 patents. His work centered on catalytic chemistry. He was a key participant/inventor in the discovery and development of, for example, the high octane fuel key to Allied air superiority in World War II, biodegradable detergents, and the automobile catalytic converter. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a recipient of some of the most distinguished awards in the field of chemistry. He served five consecutive terms as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Chemical Society, and held numerous posts in that and other professional organizations.
Herman S. Bloch’s career reflects his abiding ideal that each of us should seek to contribute as much to society as we receive, and thereby to leave the world a better place than we found it. In Science, in technology, in learning, and in service he found the means toward the ideal. A strong spokesman for human rights and for quality education, Dr. Bloch was a founder of the Skokie, Illinois Human Relations Commission, and its first Chairman. He was also active locally as School Board President, Library Trustee, Board member of the Community Chest, and Chairman for 25 years of the Cook County Housing Authority. He maintained an energetic devotion to The University of Chicago, and received its Distinguished Alumni Award for his outstanding professional contributions, and again for his leadership in public service.
The Department of Chemistry is proud to honor the memory of this distinguished alumnus of our University.