Members of the Silicon Valley ACS Section and faculty, students, and staff from Stanford University gathered on February 24, 2023 to celebrate Richard (Dick) Zare receiving the well-deserved the 2022 Harry and Carol Mosher Award, the Section’s highest award. The evening began with a networking reception with hors d’oeuvres and wine and was followed by Professor Zare’s acceptance talk. He entertained with stories that provided an insider’s view about the history of the Stanford Chemistry Department, why he came to Stanford, and what it was like being the Chair of the Chemistry Department. He colorfully illustrated the atmosphere of competition and collaboration that apparently exists in many academic departments by showing the music video by Salut Salon “Competitive Foursome” (Watch on YouTube). The evening was capped off with Silicon Valley ACS Chair Natalie McClure presenting Professor Zare with the Mosher Award plaque.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Stanford’s Chemistry Department, see:
● Overview and Stanford Chemistry Milestones
● Stanford Chemistry Faculty, Emeriti Faculty, and In Memoriam (Faculty)
● Hutchinson, Eric. 1977. The Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 1891-1976: a brief
account of the first eighty-five years. Stanford, California: Department of Chemistry, Stanford
University.
● Mosher, Harry S. 2006. Stanford Chemistry Department, 1977-2000. (Edited by W.E. Moerner)
Middle: Dick Zare receives the Mosher Award plaque from Natalie McClure, Chair of Silicon Valley ACS.
Right: Dick’s last story was about the Chemistry of Cooking class that he teaches to undergraduates.
