Robert W. Hanson

The Chemistry Department has received word that Dr. Robert W. Hanson, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, passed away early Saturday, May 17, 1986, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Bob Hanson was a native Minnesotan, born in 1923. He served in the Army, European Theater of World War II, from 1942 to 1945. He earned his B.A. at Bemidji State, his M.S. at the University of Minnesota, and his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa. Bob began his teaching career as Instructor in Chemistry at St. Cloud State College in 1953 and later became Associate Professor of Chemistry at that institution. He came to UNI as Associate Professor of Science in 1963. In 1966 he was named Professor of Chemistry and Science Education, the position from which he retired in May 1985. Bob was well known in science education circles. From 1966 to 1971 he was director at UNI of the NSF-sponsored Academic Year Institutes for high school science teachers. He served as Executive Director of the Iowa Academy of Science from 1967 to 1983. He held offices in the National Association of Academies of Science, was that body's President in 1980, and served as a member of the Council of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His honors included an "Outstanding Educator of America" citation in 1972 and the Distinguished Service Award of the National Association of Academies of Science in 1979. He was listed in Who's Who in America and Leaders in American Science. Bob's latest achievement was the publication of Science and Creation: Geological, Theological, and Educational Perspectives, a AAAS symposium volume for which he served as editor and author of the first chapter. While residing in Cedar Falls, Bob Hanson was a member and active in the affairs of the First Baptist Church. He is survived by two sons, one daughter, and his wife Margaret at 11061 Hyland Terrace, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344. Services are scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, at 1 p.m. at the Woodside Church in Eden Prairie. Memorial gifts may be designated for the Robert W. Hanson scholarship fund for chemistry students or for the Woodside Church Building Fund and may be sent to Margaret Hanson. Alternatively, contributions in Dr. Hanson's memory may be made to the organization of the donor's choice.   Initially placed on Web: August 28, 1997 (GP) Last modified: September 18, 2001 (GP)