KENOSHA, Wis. – A gift from a current University of Wisconsin–Parkside student is helping transform the learning experience for future generations of chemistry students by bringing modern laboratory equipment into the university’s organic chemistry program.
The donation, made by Blake Callahan through the Blake Callahan Foundation, funded the purchase of two new Buchi R-80 rotary evaporation systems for the Organic Chemistry student laboratory. The new equipment comes complete with programmable water baths, vacuum pumps, and chillers, improving the quality of the student experience and training in the field of organic chemistry synthesis.
For Blake, his donation was motivated by a desire to help create opportunities for others.
“Giving back to Parkside and the chemistry lab is important to me because I attended a different out-of-state public university my freshman year,” Blake said. “There, I experienced lab facilities that were well maintained and continuously upgraded due to alumni support and a large endowment.”
After transferring to Parkside, Callahan recognized the dedication of faculty members who work to provide high-quality educational experiences.
“I have been part of a culture where faculty work hard supporting students despite not having access to new equipment or the most advanced facilities,” Blake said. “I think our students and faculty deserve more, and in a small way, I felt I could support.”
Blake hopes the gift will also encourage philanthropy among alumni, and community members.
“It should feel good when you’re able to do something for others, not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “I think it can be a little awkward as a current student to give philanthropically, but I do hope in doing so it may lead others in the community or other alumni to do so.”
Blake’s generous donation was deeply inspired by family values, “My parents raised and encouraged me to participate in projects that help support the community,” he said. “They have always been big advocates for public education and UW–Parkside.”
The new rotary evaporation systems will significantly enhance the department’s organic chemistry curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on synthesis of various organic chemicals. Evaporation of solvents is an integral part of this experience.
“Prior to this donation, steam baths were used instead,” faculty noted. “Steam baths are a technique that was used in the sixties. In modern laboratories, they have been phased out in favor of the rotary evaporator system.”
The new rotary evaporators will allow for faster and higher quality procedures for professional chemists as well as our students.
The investment comes at an exciting time for the Chemistry Department as it continues efforts to modernize instructional spaces and provide students with cutting-edge learning experiences.
“Our chemistry department will soon modernize the organic chemistry teaching laboratories to contemporary working standards,” faculty said. “The rotary evaporator systems will become one of the centerpieces of our new renovated space.”
By investing in the tools that support hands-on learning, Blake’s generosity will help ensure that Parkside chemistry students have access to modern training, and a practical laboratory experience.
To explore gift opportunities at UW-Parkside, please visit uwp.edu/giving/
Written by UW-Parkside
Link to original story: https://www.uwp.edu/explore/media/student-philanthropy-helps-modernize-chemistry-labs/