N o t e b o o k • Volum e X X V • 2017
Governor’s Medals
Recognize the Contributions of
Science Faculty and Benefactor
In January, Governor Gary R. Herbert, along with
Utah’s students and communities,” says Henry White, Dean of the College of Science. “These efforts support
the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR)
a robust local economy and a high standard of living in Utah.”
initiative and the Governor’s Office for Economic Development (GOED), announced the winners of the prestigious Governor’s
Medals for Science and Technology.
undergraduate and graduate students. She has published more than
Cynthia J. Burrows, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, and
200 papers in peer-reviewed journals and advised more than 30 doctoral
Adam Beehler, Physics Education Specialist, were selected along with
students who have completed PhD degrees. She also has secured more
Lawrence Thatcher, CEO of the Thatcher Group and a benefactor of the
than $10 million of external research grants and private funding for the
College of Science.
University and the College of Science.
“The medal recipients are true leaders in innovation, serving as
Beehler joined the U in 2006. Over the past 10 years, he has taught
educators, mentors and influencers statewide,” Gov. Herbert said.
70,000 students across Utah about science and physics as part of a
“Innovation drives Utah’s thriving economy and unmatched quality of
comprehensive public outreach program — the most extensive at the
life. I commend the winners for excellence in their fields and for their
University of Utah. In addition, he teaches several physics classes at the
important work, which will benefit Utah residents for generations.”
U and prepares all of the lecture demonstrations for the Department of
Physics & Astronomy.
College of Science faculty and staff have earned 10 Governor’s
Medals since 2010, and a remarkable 28 total Medals since the
program’s inception in 1987.
the Thatcher Chemical company in Salt Lake City in 1967. Fifty years
The economic impact of these 28 College of Science members,
later, the Thatcher Group, Inc., continues to be a diversified chemical
including Burrows and Beehler, on Utah’s economy and the national
manufacturer and distributor, and a key member of Utah’s business
economy can be measured in millions of dollars and thousands of jobs.
community. The company employs hundreds of people and is based
The research impact on Utah’s academic and scientific communities
in Salt Lake with operations in seven other states.
can be measured in volumes of publications, journals, patents and
products. The education impact on Utah’s students and citizens can
have been awarded to Utah residents and companies who have
be measured in scores and generations of successful University and
provided distinguished service or made significant contributions
College of Science alumni.
to Utah’s advanced scientific and technological knowledge, education
and industry.
“Year after year, College of Science faculty and staff perform
exceptional scientific research and provide valuable education to 22
Burrows joined the U in 1995 and has educated thousands of
Lawrence Thatcher, BS’47 in chemical engineering, founded
Since 1987, the Governor’s Medals for Science and Technology
N
