Dr. David A. Berry Organic Chemistry Laboratory
On November 29, 2018, the Chemistry Department and EMU Foundation hosted the dedication of the Dr. David A. Berry Organic Chemistry Laboratory, room 115 in the Science Complex, the result of a generous donation from Lana Berry that also allowed the purchase of a state of the art bench top NMR instrument within the lab that will be used hands-on by EMU students for years to come. Over 50 people were in attendance at the event to reveal the plaque outside the door and to recognize the successful EMU alumnus. CAS Dean Dana Heller, Department Head Deborah Heyl-Clegg, and donor Lana Berry all spoke at the event, followed by the unveiling of the plaque, a tour of the lab, and a demonstration of the new bench top NMR.
Dr. Berry earned both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from EMU. He was the recipient of the Bert W. Peet Award, given to the top outstanding graduating chemistry major, in 1976. He began his professional career at Warner Lambert/Parke-Davis in the Anti-Cancer group, and went on to earn his Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Michigan in 1988. He then founded Berry & Associates, a successful biochemical company located in Dexter, and was a dedicated donor to the EMU chemistry department. After Dr. Berry’s unexpected passing, Lana Berry created an endowed scholarship in his name, which has already benefited seven EMU graduate students. The naming of this lab allows his generous spirit to continue to provide for EMU students.
Posted 12/8/2018.