Don E. Gibbs, Ph.D, professor of chemistry

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.

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. Gibbs is survived by his wife, Linda, three daughters and four grandchildren.

Rockhurst held a memorial prayer service in March.