Energy research by the College's department of chemistry will be significantly strengthened by a $1.1 million bequest from John Oshchypok, a chemical engineer who graduated from Case Institute of Technology in 1951.
With this gift, the College of Arts and Sciences will create the John Oshchypok Professorship in Chemistry, a position to be filled by a researcher developing energy-related materials. In addition to supporting the professorship for 10 years, the bequest will cover start-up costs and staff salaries.
"Energy is a critical area of research, both in training students and in shaping our future," says Cyrus C. Taylor, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "Our chemistry faculty has the capacity to contribute to groundbreaking, foundational research that will advance the frontier of energy innovation. This new position will allow the College to bring additional resources to this effort."
A native Clevelander, Oshchypok grew up on the city's west side and was president of his senior class at James Ford Rhodes High School. During his college years, he served as the "A" on the Case cheering squad, urging the Rough Riders down the field for touchdowns.
After he graduated, Oshchypok joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, where he helped operate a defensive radar system during the Cold War. He then built a career as a chemical engineer with DuPont, working on highly classified contracts for the Atomic Energy Commission in Terre Haute, Indiana. Later, he transferred to the company's plant in Antioch, California, which developed the chemical components in leaded gas. Oshchypok died in Antioch in 2006.
His family is enthusiastic about the potential impact of the bequest. "The university made a good decision in creating this faculty position," says John Hopp, Oshchypok's nephew. Energy research is "something needed," he explains, and his uncle "would be pleased that his gift is being used in this way."