Lo u iS u f f er , Ph .D., associate professor of physics, passed away on July 15, 2009. He was 72. From the moment he set foot on campus, Uffer became an important presence in the physics department. He was often consulted on topics large and small and was fondly known by his colleagues as a “dynamo of energy.” His contributions to the physics department were many. Uffer maintained the instructional and research laboratories in modern physics. He pioneered, developed and taught the first Physics for Poets course at Manhattan, choosing to explore the challenging topic of quantum electrodynamics. “Louis Uffer embodied the best of Manhattan College,” says Dr. Bruce Liby, associate professor of physics and chair of the department. “His dedication to the College and the physics department was total … To this end, he labored long hours in the laboratory, developing state-of-the-art experiments for our majors. Lou rewrote his courses’ notes and syllabi every year, even for introductory courses that he had taught many dozens of times.” Outside of the classroom, Uffer was active on many of Manhattan’s committees. He chaired the Council for Faculty Affairs for some time and the Faculty Welfare Committee. He was also a chair on the Senate Committee for Budget Review and Financial Aid. Uffer’s interest in physics can be traced back to his formative years as a student at Bronx High School of Science. He earned a B.S. from City College of New York in 1965 and his M.S. in 1967 and Ph.D. in 1978 from New York University. He wrote his doctoral dissertation on Magneto-thermal Properties of Cubic Rare Earth Compounds. In addition to teaching, he worked as a circuit designer for Bell Tel Labs, Inc. from 1961-66 and as a systems analyst at Systems Consultants, Inc., from 1976-77. Uffer joined the College in 1979 as an adjunct assistant professor. During his career, he also taught at Queensborough Community College and the New York Institute of Technology. He was a member of the American Physical Society, Sigma Xi and the New York Academy of Sciences. In 2004, he was awarded the Bonus et Fidelis Medal, an honor bestowed on outstanding faculty who serve the College for at least 25 years. Dr. Sezar Fesjian, associate professor of physics, honored Uffer with a speech on that special occasion, one whose words hold true to this day and show how much he will be missed. “In the classroom, his impact on each student is intense,” Fesjian said. “One does not take a course with Dr. Uffer without being greatly influenced by his unique personality and style in teaching physics that is both passionate and tough. I believe his teaching is his lifeblood, not merely his profession.”
Anthony J. Scala Sr. ’44 a n t h o n y J. Sc a La S r . ’44, P.e., former president of Lowy & Donnath, Inc., an electrical engineering construction firm, passed away on April 22, 2009. He was 85. Scala was a generous and longtime supporter of Manhattan and was deeply appreciative of the Christian Brothers. Since childhood, when he helped his father in the family business on 231st Street and Broadway, he had always dreamed of owning a business. After graduating from Manhattan with an electrical engineering degree, Scala served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. In 1947, he joined a small electrical contracting firm named Lowy & Donnath as an estimator and worked his way up to president and partner and made the firm one of the most respected electrical contractors in New York City. He sent his five sons to Manhattan; three of whom (James ’75, Anthony Jr. ’74 and Christopher J. ’89) and two of his grandsons (Anthony III ’03 and Christopher W. ’05) graduated from the school of engineering. His granddaughter Victoria is a senior in the school, and son Anthony Jr. is currently president of Lowy & Donnath and a Manhattan College trustee. Scala established two charitable remainder trusts that named Manhattan College as the recipient of each. With the establishment of the first trust, in 1997, he also gave a $1 million gift to the Ascend Manhattan Capital Campaign. “I made the gift for one reason,” Scala said at the time. “It is my way of thanking all past, present and future Christian Brothers who staff Manhattan College. I want to say thank you for their devotion to teaching young people and for setting examples of honesty and integrity.” Scala set a tremendous example himself, through his willingness to support the College and its students. “His generosity through two campaigns helped transform the Manhattan College campus into a modern facility, equipped for the students of the 21st century,” says Thomas Mauri-
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ello, vice president for advancement at Manhattan College. “We are most grateful for the devotion and support he showed to the College.” He showed the same devotion to the other aspects of his life as he did toward his alma mater. “Anthony Scala Sr. was a faithful Catholic, devoted to his family, an involved alumnus, a valued advisor and good friend,” says Brother Thomas Scanlan, former president of Manhattan College. Among his significant contributions to Manhattan are the establishment of the William J. Scala Academy Room in Leo Hall and the carillon in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers. Named in memory of his son William, a former student, the William J. Scala Academy Room is an auditorium equipped with audiovisual equipment and Internet access. Plaques lining the walls pay tribute to the 15 Manhattan College engineers who have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering. In 2004, Scala also dedicated the carillon tower, which chimes above the chapel, to his wife Helen, who had passed away. Scala is survived by four sons, Anthony Jr., James, Peter and Christopher; their wives, Mary Ellen, Deborah, Joyce and Kerry, respectively; 13 grandchildren; and his wife Jadwiga. He was predeceased by his wife Helen and his son William.
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