(35 years ago) Rockhurst Goes Coed! - Rockhurst University

Solid GoldRockhurst icon celebrates 50 years of teaching chemistryBy Katherine FrohoffIt may take a village to raise a child,but it only takes one 82-year-oldchemistry professor to build andmaintain a community that stretchesfrom Kansas City to Alaska to Egyptand beyond.This August, the Rev. James D.Wheeler, S.J., began his 50th year ofteaching at Rockhurst. During thistime, he has instructed countlessnumbers of students — includingthe current university president.Many have gone on to accomplishgreat things. And Fr. Wheeler helpsthem all keep in touch. Twice eachyear, he compiles the many e-mailshe receives from former studentsaround the world, adds storiesabout who has called or droppedby and publishes a newsletter for amailing list of 943 people.“Chemistry Newsletter No. 36”(the most recent issue) is a no-frillspublication written in a stream-ofconsciousnessstyle that defies editing.It’s a formula that has charmedalumni into contacting him justto get their names and storiesincluded in the pages, says PhilipColombo, Ph.D., ’91, one of twoRockhurst alumni who took classesfrom Fr. Wheeler and now teachalongside him in the chemistrydepartment.Stories about people who meetpeople who know Fr. Wheeler arelegendary. Colombo said hisbrother recently met a physicianin New York who is originallyfrom Colombia and whostudied under him.But this isn’t the only thing thatsets Fr. Wheeler apart. Although heturned 82 years old July 19, he stilldons shorts and walks from theJesuit residence to the weight roomwhere he works at keeping inshape. He still enjoys traveling andfor a recent birthday, his fellowJesuits sent him on a trip to Belize.On his 81st birthday, he presenteda research paper at a chemistryconference.It is rare for a faculty member tohave a career that spans this manyyears, let alone at the same institution.Somehow Fr. Wheeler is ableto connect to college studentswho find in him a caringand knowledgeableinstructor. Maybethat’s thecornerstonethat keeps thecommunityalive longafter they’vegraduated.