The Gettysburg College Chemistry Department hosts an annual lecture series sponsored by the Musselman Endowment for Visiting Scientists and has invited prominent scientists to present their research on topics of current interest each year since 1980.
The Musselman Company was founded in 1907 by C.H. Musselman in Biglerville, Pennsylvania. In 1941 the Musselman Foundation was created out of company profits to provide funds for numerous projects in the local area. Among these have been gifts to Gettysburg College, which have been responsible for the construction of Musselman Stadium, Library, and Dormitory as well as for scholarships and grants. Much of this support was provided under the auspices of John A. Hauser, who joined the Musselman Company in 1934. In 1944, upon the death of C.H. Musselman, Mr. Hauser became the president of the Musselman Company and the Musselman Foundation. A resident of Biglerville for nearly 50 years until his death in April 1983, Mr. Hauser was an active civic leader and supporter of Gettysburg College activities. His friendship with the late Dr. John B. Zinn, Professor of Chemistry and Chairman at Gettysburg College from 1924- 1959 resulted in the Musselman Endowment for Visiting Scientists. A gift of $25,000 in 1977 and 1978 “in honor of Dr. Zinn” formed the Endowment, the income from which is used each year to support visits by well-known chemists who share their expertise with faculty and students.
During the Visiting Scientists’ stay at Gettysburg College, they present an intensive lecture series on topics of current interest. These talks are well-attended by faculty and students from within the Chemistry Department, the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program and other science departments as well as faculty and students from other area colleges and universities. The series sharpens the knowledge of participants and increases contacts with chemists from universities and from industry.
In response to the 2020 Pandemic, the Chemistry Department cancelled the 2020-21 Musselman Visiting Scientist Program for the first time in 40 years. We also had to cancel the 2021-22 program due to ongoing COVID concerns. We are delighted to resume the lecture series with Dr. Andy Borovik as our 2023 Musselman Visiting Scientist.
Check here for a list of past Musselman Visiting Scientists.
