Quincy University received $12K from the Mark Twain Local Section of the American Chemical Society to help start a scholarship named in honor of William Gasser Ph.D., professor emeritus of chemistry, at a check presentation March 19, 2019. The scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate majoring in chemistry at Quincy University.

“The members of the Mark Twain Local Section of the American Chemical Society voted unanimously to make this gift as seed money towards a scholarship in the name of Dr. Bill Gasser in recognition of his service to the Mark Twain Section, Quincy University and the Quincy community,” said Scott Lauders, member of the Mark Twain Section and Quincy University’s professor of chemistry.

Dr. Gasser began his teaching career at Quincy University in 1963 and taught chemistry for over 30 years before retiring in 1995.  He is a World War II veteran, retiring as a lieutenant commander in the Navy.  Before teaching, he worked for Union Carbide and Pfizer.  During his career, he had over 20 publications recognized in journals. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree, 2 Master of Science degrees and a Doctorate degree.

The Mark Twain Local Section of the American Chemical Society was established in 1950.  Dr. Gasser was an active member of the ACS during his tenure at Quincy University.  He was elected chairman of the local section in 1970 and 1989.

Founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress, the American Chemical Society (ACS) is the world’s largest scientific society. The mission of the ACS is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and its people. The vision of the ACS is to improve people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.

To fully endow the scholarship, the University will need to raise a minimum of $25K. To make a gift to the scholarship, visit quincy.edu/support-qu or contact Julie Bell at 217-228-5229 or bellju@quincy.org.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University (www.quincy.edu) is a Catholic, co-educational, residential university offering undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and Franciscan values. Quincy University’s intercollegiate sports are members of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference for men and women. For more information, please contact the Quincy University Office of Community Relations by calling (217) 228-5275.