George C. Pimentel: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

CHED 1447

Jeanne Pimentel, jpim@berkeley.edu, University of California, Berkeley, 1231 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94702-1833
Although neither a scientist nor an educator, as his wife I was keenly aware of the impact that George Pimentel had on the field of chemical education, and far beyond through the lives of people he influenced. With anecdotes, observations and a little history, I recall his fun-loving, hardworking, principled, optimistic personality. George's activities in research, teaching, and public service ranged from chemical-laser discoverer to space pioneer, inspired lecturer to innovative curriculum developer, college committee chair to presidential appointee, athlete to author. Together with his personal beliefs and relationships, these activities have left a legacy that perpetuates itself, proving adaptable to changing times, with relevance to today's challenges and tomorrow's problems and promises. The many tributes written, awards established, and friendships formed since his death not only preserve his memory but extend his influence for good far into the future, as he would have wished.