I was pleased to come across the recent piece (Summer 2023) regarding Professor Rogers Gurira and the creation of a new scholarship fund in his and his family’s honor. My experience at Grinnell began in 1973 as a first-generation college student, with Dr. Gurira’s Intro to Chemistry class. This class was not only my first at Grinnell, but also the first one taught by Rogers.
His teaching was clear, methodical, and inspiring, laying a solid foundation for my academic journey. My initial exposure to the discipline of chemistry under Dr. Gurira led me to graduate from Grinnell with a degree in chemistry. My academic path continued, culminating in a PhD in physical chemistry and a position as a full professor at the University of Virginia — a success I attribute in large part to the educational groundwork laid by Dr. Gurira.
The establishment of a scholarship fund in honor of Professor Gurira and his family is a wonderful tribute to his lasting influence and provides a meaningful avenue to support the education of future scholars. It’s a testament to the far-reaching impact that devoted educators like Professor Gurira have on their students and the community at large.