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5/11/1995 12:19:00 AM All for Rice's Honor By Katherine Kerr In fields as diverse as poetry to geothermal energy, space physics to mechanical engineering, four retiring Rice faculty leave behind indelible marks on the university, their students and their profession. Ronald F. Stebbings, professor of space physics and astronomy and of physics; Alan J. Chapman, professor of mechanical engineering; John C. Stormer, professor of geology; and John A. Meixner, professor of English, will be the newest additions to the esteemed ranks of professors emeriti. In their own ways, they have challenged and inspired students. Their research has been used in practical applications on Earth and in outer space and has dared their pupils and colleagues to think about life in different ways. Each has strengthened Rice's tradition of excellence. Ronald F. Stebbings When Ronald Stebbings signed on to teach at Rice in 1968, he had no idea he would stay as long or hold as many positions as he has. Stebbings had earned his Ph.D. in atomic physics at University College London in England and left a post there to be as professor of space physics and astronomy and of physics at Rice. A year later, he was named chair of the Department of Space Physics and Astronomy, which he held until 1974. From 1977 to 1982, Stebbings was master of Jones College. Named Dean of Undergraduate Affairs in 1983, he took on additional responsibilities when the position was elevated and he became Vice President for Student Affairs until 1993. Although emeritus is being added to his title of professor of space physics and astronomy and of physics, Stebbings said he will maintain an office and laboratory and will continue work on current and possibly new research projects. Reflecting back on his career, Stebbings said he initially came to Rice to teach and conduct research, but his work in student affairs has offered "a lot of interest and enjoyment." In meeting the changing needs of students, Stebbings believes he brought a sense of cohesion to that area of the university. Alan J. Chapman Alan J. Chapman, the Harry S. Cameron Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, isn't letting a well-attended retirement party close out his career. He will be teaching classes next year and working on the fifth edition of Heat Transfer, a classic text in engineering and materials science that is used widely around the world. Such dedication illustrates why Chapman was the recipient of six teaching awards for outstanding efforts in the classroom. "It's satisfying that they were spread out over a 20-year period," he said. "I seemed to have kept the knack." After earning his bachelor's of science from Rice in 1945, Chapman started as an instructor in mechanical engineering while continuing to work toward advanced degrees from the University of Colorado and the University of Illinois. Twice appointed chair of the department of mechanical engineering, he was named the first dean of the George R. Brown School of Engineering in 1975, a position he held until 1980. From 1969 to 1970, he also was vice president for administration for acting president Frank E. Vandiver. An expert in heat transfer, he developed and designed the sun visor on the helmet worn by the first astronaut to walk on the moon. The space agency awarded him the NASA Group Achievement Award for his work as a consultant on Skylab in 1974. He also was instrumental in developing life-support systems used on Skylab and the space shuttles. John C. Stormer Jr. Stormer, an expert in geothermal energy and the chemistry of volcanic rocks, hopes to write books that will "interpret earth science problems for the educated layman." He aspires to fill a void in effectively communicating the importance of the earth sciences to the general public. Splitting time between Rice and a home in Pensacola, Fla., Stormer plans to continue current research projects, including X-ray analyses of Gulf Coast sediments for heavy metals and pollutants and study of rare minerals found in volcanic rock in northeastern New Mexico. Work with electron microprobes and X-ray analysis in geology has allowed Stormer to work with a host of undergraduate and graduate students from other sciences. The opportunity to stretch the imagination of those students and to offer advice has been one of the most satisfying elements of his career, Stormer said. John A. Meixner English professor, poetry scholar and former drama critic, John A. Meixner has made a mark in Houston's literary and drama circles. He joined Rice in 1968 after working at Kansas University, Clark University and Brown University. During his tenure, his plays Leaves, Women and Men and Winter in the Woods premiered in Houston. His poetry has been published in the Rice Literary Review and his reviews have appeared in several literary magazines. He has written and lectured extensively on novelist Ford Madox Ford, poet Robert Frost and novelist Joseph Conrad. |
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