December 10, 2008
Richard Grace honored with endowment, dedication
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The Dr. Richard E. Grace Fund has been established in support of the School of Materials Engineering, for which Grace served as head from 1965 to 1972.
Leah Jamieson, the John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering, announced the creation of the fund at a ceremony on Nov. 1.
"Dick Grace is a dedicated and accomplished professor who has made the College of Engineering and Purdue University better, stronger, and more responsive and welcoming to students," Jamieson said. "He has lived by a philosophy of discovery throughout his career — developing new programs, new ideas, and new ways of doing things to have an impact on those around him. Many of the programs he initiated have evolved with the times and needs of students, but are still in place, making a difference for Purdue."
The MSE Conference Room and Library in Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering was dedicated as the Dr. Richard E. Grace Conference Room and Library.
Grace began his career at Purdue in 1954 as assistant professor of metallurgical engineering before becoming associate professor in 1958 and professor in 1962.
In addition to leading the School of Materials Engineering, Grace founded the Division of Interdisciplinary Engineering Studies and was its head from 1970 to 1982. He also served as assistant dean of engineering and head of the Department of Freshman Engineering from 1981 to 1987.
In 1987, Grace became vice president for student services and served in that capacity until 1995. He then founded the Undergraduate Studies Program and was its director from 1995 to 2000.
In 2000, Grace retired from Purdue as professor emeritus of materials engineering and vice president emeritus for student services. He continues to be active at Purdue and in retirement education for seniors. His book, "When Every Day Is Saturday," helps boomers plan for a happy, meaningful retirement.