Celebrating Retirement

Arthur Greenberg profoundly and positively impacted students, staff and faculty alike during his 20+ year tenure at the University of New Hampshire. Hired first as the Dean of the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences in 2000, Art was simultaneously appointed as Professor of Chemistry. In 2005, Art "saw the light" and left the dark side (i.e., administrative pursuits) behind to become a full-time Professor in the Chemistry Department. Whether as Dean or Professor of Chemistry, Art will forever be remembered as a kind and caring person with a heart of gold, a lover of books, a prolific author, and someone born with the gift of gab!

Some of my fondest memories of faculty meetings in the Chemistry Department involve Professor Gary Weisman jokingly turning an imaginary hourglass timer over when Art started to speak. This gesture was a gentle reminder for Art to be brief, and was always met with excellent humor by Art! Over the years, Art amazed me with his relentless kindness towards others, especially those in need. There was never any question about how much Art cared for others.

He also demonstrated remarkably sophisticated strategies for the purchase of rare chemistry texts, a great passion of his. Every once in a while, I would see small packages arrive in the mailroom of the chemistry office with Art's name on them, each one containing a rare chemistry text that Art had purchased. His purchases were sometimes from an obscure bookstore in a foreign country, and sometimes from eBay or some other auction site. Watching Art open these packages was a bit like watching my kids open presents on Christmas morning. The excitement and anticipation was palpable.

I will remember all of these things about Art and so much more.  He has been a wonderful colleague and I will miss him greatly. Like all others, I wish Art a happy and healthy and long retirement.

The best and most fitting way to summarize Professor Sterling Tomellini's long and productive career at UNH is to state that he always put his students first. I knew that about Sterling the very first time we met, when I interviewed for an Assistant Professor position at UNH in 1995. His passion for his students was then, and always remained, undeniable.

He told me that day back in 1995 that students were the most important product of any faculty member. Not research nor research grants nor high marks on student and/or peer teaching evaluations. All of those things are important, of course, but Sterling knew that the most important accomplishment for any faculty member MUST BE well-trained, productive students that can take the baton and carry it forward. 

In the classroom, in numerous teaching laboratories, and in his own research laboratory, Sterling's passion for students was always on display.  His students understood his passion and his dedication to their development, and held him in the highest regard. In fact, former students initiated a scholarship in Professor Tomellini's name several years ago, before he even retired! 

This scholarship is now given annually to deserving students and will serve as a lasting tribute to Professor Tomellini.  During my tenure as Chair of the Chemistry Department, I was lucky to have Sterling serving as Undergraduate Coordinator.  He was always so thorough and careful with those responsibilities and of course, he always put the best interests of students first.

Sterling provided great insights and offered me wonderful advice on numerous occasions. Sterling also served for many years on the faculty union (AAUP) in a variety of increasingly important positions. This was tireless and often difficult service on behalf of his peers.

I am sad to see Professor Tomellini retire as I miss my daily interactions with him, but I'm also so very happy for him and his family. My wish for Sterling is a very long and happy and healthy retirement.