RU Mourns Loss of Beloved Chemistry Professor

Rockhurst University lost a dear friend and colleague when Don E. Gibbs, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, died on Feb. 28.

Gibbs joined the Rockhurst faculty in 1979. Students may remember him best for the academic rigor of his Organic Chemistry course. In a letter he shared with each new class, he tried to prepare students for the demands they’d face.

“You are undertaking one of the most challenging courses of your career,” he wrote. You will be asked to use more neurons than you think you have. Formation of many new neuron associations will be needed. That takes time and there are no shortcuts.”

Gibbs’ research interests included designing and synthesizing insect feeding deterrents, designing synthesis of isotopically labeled compounds for pharmaceutical research and
creating learning modules for science education in elementary schools.

For several years beginning in the early 1990s, he led a research project on the chemicals found in hedge apples that contain insect-control properties. The project, which involved students and faculty from the chemistry and biology departments, resulted in four patents.

More recently, Gibbs was exploring the history of chemistry for a book he was working on.

He was not only knowledgeable in organic chemistry but also in history, literature, music and other subjects.

“He had a broad range of interests and the depth of his knowledge astounded me,” said Dale Harak, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of chemistry, who worked with Gibbs for 13 years. “He could have a meaningful conversation with any of the faculty on campus.”

If he wasn’t in class, he could usually be found working in the lab or conducting research in Linda Hall Library. On many Friday afternoons, he brought his grandchildren into the lab and helped them perform experiments.

“He had a strong love of his family and talked about his grandchildren often,” said Harak.

As a member of the pre-medical advisory committee, Harak helps students prepare for medical school interviews. When asked what their most difficult college course was, he said 90 percent of students would answer with Gibbs’ Organic Chemistry. When asked which course helped prepare them best, the answer was the same.

“He set high expectations, not only for his students but for the whole department,” said Harak.

Gibbs received a bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in chemistry, both from Oklahoma State University. He also served as a post-doctoral fellow at Iowa State University.

Friends may call from 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, March 7, at the Red Bridge Church of Christ, 101 W. Red Bridge Rd. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at Overland Park Church of Christ, 13400 W. 119th, Overland Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Dr. Don E. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship. Donations, with the scholarship name in the memo line, may be sent to Rockhurst University Advancement Office, 1100 Rockhurst Rd. Kansas City, MO 64110.

Rockhurst will hold a memorial prayer service 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in Mabee Chapel.