On Saturday, the University of Utah unveiled a statue to commemorate Henry Eyring, a distinguished chemist and the founding dean of the university’s graduate school. The bronze statue is prominently situated in the atrium of the Henry Eyring Chemistry Building, which bears the name of the esteemed chemist. The event included remarks from Eyring’s son, President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing on his father’s legacy both as a scientist and a person dedicated to helping others.
Henry Eyring was recognized not only for his groundbreaking work in chemistry but also for his lifelong devotion to the Church and his commitment to kindness and education. Philanthropist Khosrow Semnani donated the statue as a tribute to Eyring’s influential role in his life, emphasizing Eyring’s enduring promotion of kindness. The statue, crafted by sculptor Mark Degraffenried, depicts Eyring seated on a stool with a molecule model in hand, symbolizing his passion for teaching chemistry.
The unveiling ceremony featured speeches from several dignitaries, including Peter Armentrout, interim chair of the university’s chemistry department, and university President Taylor Randall. Attendees included former Utah Governor Gary Herbert and Elder Dale G. Renlund of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Eyring’s Legacy in Chemistry
Henry Eyring was a pioneering theoretical chemist, authoring over 600 scientific papers and ten volumes. His work in chemical kinetics laid the groundwork for contemporary understanding of chemical reactions. Among his significant contributions was the development of the absolute rate theory, known as the Eyring equation. He was recognized with the National Medal of Science in 1966 and the Wolf Prize in Chemistry in 1980.
Eyring served as dean of the University of Utah’s Graduate School and as a professor of Chemistry and Metallurgy from 1946 until his passing in 1981. Despite numerous nominations for the Nobel Prize, his research in areas such as the theory of liquids and rate processes in biology profoundly influenced the scientific community.
University President Taylor Randall highlighted the institution’s 175th anniversary, acknowledging Eyring’s tenure as a pivotal period in its history. Eyring’s legacy extends beyond his scientific achievements, as he is celebrated for his passion for education and his ability to merge scientific inquiry with philosophical exploration.
Reflecting on Eyring’s Impact
Henry Eyring’s multifaceted contributions have left a lasting imprint on both the scientific community and educational institutions. For students and researchers, his work in chemical kinetics continues to be a vital resource, with principles that are regularly applied in modern chemistry studies. His dedication to education has inspired countless scholars to pursue careers in science, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and discovery.
In a broader sense, Eyring’s approach to bridging science with humanistic values serves as a model for integrating ethical considerations into scientific progress. His emphasis on kindness and helping others resonates with today’s societal focus on collaboration and community well-being, indicating the timelessness of his teachings and their relevance to contemporary issues.