Arthur Sweeny Jr. Scholarships and Lecture

The Arthur Sweeny, Jr. Lecture is given by an outstanding scientist, often a Nobel Prize winner, or person in a science-related field. The lecture pays tribute to the memory of Prof. Sweeny - an outstanding teacher, friend and colleague who gave so much, so willingly, to his students and to science. The lecture is also a forum for exposure to and discussion of current topics in chemistry and related fields. The reception before and the dinner after the lecture become celebrations where undergraduate majors, returning alumni and friends of the department are all able to network while honoring the memory of Professor Sweeny and the importance of Science.

Previous Lectures

• 2016 - 36th Lecture Prof. Richard R. Schrock, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and 2005 Nobel Prize Winner 
• 2015 - 35th Lecture Prof. Thomas A. Steiz, Yale University and 2009 Nobel Prize Winner 
• 2014 - 34th Lecture Dr. Martin Chalfie, Columbia University and 2008 Nobel Prizer Winner 
• 2013 - 33th Lecture Prof. Dr. Luis Echegoyen, University of Texas, El Paso
• 2012 - 32nd Lecture Sir Harry Kroto, 1996 Nobel Prize Winner 

Arthur Sweeny Jr. Scholarships

Arthur Sweeny, Jr. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students working towards a degree in chemistry. Typically awarded in their third year of chemistry, students are chosen by a committee of chemistry faculty.

About Professor Arthur Sweeny Jr

Professor Arthur Sweeny, Jr. began his career at Hunter College in 1930 before joining Lehman College at its founding in 1968. He established the first pre-medical office at Lehman and was the first Grand Marshal for the inaugural Academic Procession. Upon meeting Arthur Sweeny, one recognized a gentleman in every sense.

For almost twenty-five years Arthur Sweeny directed the Undergraduate Cancer Research Program at the College. Affiliations developed with the Sloan-Kettering Research Institute, as well as with the New York University College of Medicine. These two institutions served as the testing laboratories for potential anti-tumor agents developed and synthesized in Professor Sweeny's laboratory. Numerous publications resulted from the research project. Financial support for this program came from sources within as well as outside the University.

The highlight of the Program, however, may well have been the undergraduate chemistry majors who participated. These students are legion, and today include teachers, physicians and chemists at all degree levels. These people, to this day, remember Professor Sweeny with fondness and respect, and remain loyal to the Department and the College.

He is a man who loved and respected teaching, his profession, and above all, his students. He retired in 1974 after 44 years of teaching and research. Professor Arthur Sweeny Jr. died in 2001 at the age of 94.