Some Sad News - Glen E. Dirreen is dead at Age 75

Glen Dirreen (Ph.D. 1972 with Treichel) died on October 27, 2009 in Germantown, Wisconsin after a long illness.  Immediately upon graduation he was appointed the first director of the UW-Madison general chemistry laboratories a position he held till 1984 when he was appointed coordinator of the general chemistry program and also associate director of the Institute for Chemical Education.  He retired in 1994 and was granted emeritus status.  Glen was a masterful teacher and administrator whose high standards, wit, and friendliness contributed greatly to the success of thousands of first-year chemistry students and hundreds of TAs, and the smooth workings of the general chemistry program. He was one of the first two chemistry academic staff members to be recognized with an indefinite appointment.  Glen was a major collaborator in scholarly publications dealing with laboratory instruction and chemical demonstrations, and in public presentations at national, regional, and local ACS and other professional meetings. He was a leader in Chautauqua courses and other teacher workshops in Madison and elsewhere. He was a key player in all aspects of our chemistry education programs including the annual Christmas Lecture. Glen helped launch the SPICE (Student-Presented Interactive Chemistry Experiences) program and was co-PI on major NSF and private grants.  He contributed to the development of the Freshman Chemistry Study Room, TA training programs, undergraduate advising and registration, counseling graduate students, and safety of chemical laboratories. Glen was a model of integrity in all dealings with students, staff, and supervisors. He was a good influence on students, staff, and faculty.  He was my good friend.
Bassam Z. Shakhashiri