Chapman enrolling scientists in ‘Million Dollar Club’

September 20th, 2007, 3:00 am · Post a Comment · posted by Gary Robbins, science writer-editor

From the It’s-News-To-Me Department …

I recently began covering research projects at Chapman University in Orange and learned that the school created a “Million Dollar Club” last year to honor professors who raise $1 million or more in research funds. The honor is part of the university’s effort to become distinguished nationally in research as well as teaching.

“We give (professors) an award — an engraved crystal cube — and place their name on a perpetual wall plaque,” says Ron DiMelfi, director of sponsored research. “Starting with the first award … we will continue to add names, including repeats, should they win another million plus.”

Chapman says the first honorees are: Virginia Carson, professor of biological sciences and director of the W.M. Keck Foundation Science Education Initiative; Anaida Colon-Muniz, associate professor of education and director of Project Connect; Frank Frisch, professor of biological sciences and scientific director of the Science Technology and Research (STAR) Institute in the School of Education; Roxanne Greitz Miller, assistant professor of education and education director of the STAR Institute; and Marianne Smith, director of Project I-TEACH in the school of education.

So am I embarrassed that it took me so long to learn about this program? Yes, I am.

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