Peet-Mayor Endowed Chemistry Award

Overview

Description

This award is presented each year to the top graduating chemistry or biochemistry major, and it consists of a monetary prize. 

Bert Peet was born in Chesaning, Michigan in 1871.  Professor Peet was a man of many interests.  Though his career passion was focused on chemistry, his studies and teachings included botany, zoology, and he was a champion for food purity and safety.

Professor Peet, educated at both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, joined Michigan Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) in 1899.  Professor Peet was a driving force behind the creation of the chemistry club in 1910.  By 1916 Professor Peet was the chair of the Chemistry Department.  He maintained his research throughout his teaching career and published in scientific journals and books.

Prior to the name Eagles being adopted by EMU, the sports teams were known as the Hurons.  This name was chosen as the result of a contest.  Professor Peet, along with two other faculty members, selected the name Hurons from the entries and it was officially adopted in 1929.

In 1941, Professor Peet retired from his role as Chemistry Department chair and went on to work for the following three years as a control chemist at the Willow Run bomber plant, where the B-24 Liberator bomber was produced.  Professor Peet was married to Edna Hope Barr Peet.  He lived until the age of 96.

Benefits

The benefits and monetary value of the scholarship are unknown.