|
On May 6 and 7, 2004, more than 100 Barnett Institute alumni and
alumnae reunited on the occasion of Dr.Barry Karger's 65th
birthday. The event was not only a fitting celebration of
his birthday but also an opportunity to honor his scientific
work and accomplishments as well as the achievements and
progress in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology
to which he and his collaborators have contributed so much.
The
reunion and birthday celebration started with a poster session
and buffet luncheon on Thursday, May 6. This was followed
by a symposium with a panel discussion dedicated to challenges
in analytical biochemistry with special reference to the
past, present, and future of the Barnett Institute. The
distinguished Alumni Panel consisted of Drs. Peter Barrett
(Partner, Atlas Ventures), Robert Garnick (Vice President,
Genentech), Markus Ehrat (Zeptosens) and Jack Cunniff (Marketing,
Thermo Electron) with Dr. Paul Vouros (Barnett Institute
Faculty Fellow) as a moderator.
Later
in the evening, a reception and the "Gala 65th
Birthday Celebration Dinner" was held in Curry Student
Center with Associate Director Bill Giessen acting as MC
for the celebration. Among the distinguished guests were
Northeastern University President Richard Freeland and Provost
Ahmed Abdelal. Barnett Alumni gave moving tributes, as they
congratulated Dr. Karger upon his 65th birthday
as well as upon his scientific work and success. The event
culminated in a standing ovation given to Barry Karger in
recognition of his many scientific and educational achievements.
On
Friday, May 7, the festivities continued with tours of the
Institute's laboratories, NU campus, and visits with Faculty
members. The Birthday Celebration and "Barnetter"
Reunion ended with an informal dinner gathering -- a barbecue
in the Snell Library courtyard.
Dr.
Karger was touched by the high number of attendees both
from US and abroad. He said, "It was really fantastic
to see so many people come back--graduates who have gone
on to have successful careers. It is the greatest joy as
a professor to see former students earn professional laurels."
Even
after the Birthday Celebration and "Barnetter"
Reunion ended, the two days filled with special moments,
honor, respect, friendship and humor left lasting memories
with all participants.
|
