Dow CEO comes to GVSU

Dow Chemical Co. President and Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Parker will speak at Grand Valley on the topic 'Seeking Sustainability through the Power of Chemistry' in the second lecture in the Ott Lecture Series.

Parker's lecture will touch on the benefits that chemistry brings to the world, the need to re-ignite excitement about the potential of chemistry, as well as the responsibility to manage the power of chemistry in a sustainable way.

The lecture will be Thursday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alumni House on the Allendale Campus.

Parker has served in a wide variety of assignments in research, manufacturing and the commercial area since he began his Dow career in 1968. He joined Dow International at Freeport, Texas, in Organics Research and Development, and subsequently became a production engineer. He has served as a district sales manager, product marketing manager, and other positions internationally. He was named to his current position in 2000.

The lecture is the second in an endowed lecture series established through a donation from Dr. Arnold C. and Marion Ott. The once-a-semester lecture series is expected to draw prominent chemists from around the world, said chemistry department Chairman Harvey Nikkel.

Ott is a former GVSU trustee who served on the board for 28 years and served as its chairman from 1978-84. He also holds a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics and bacteriology. He authored 55 patents while employed at Upjohn Co. and he founded the Ott Chemical Co.

For more information contact Chemistry Department Chair Harvey Nikkel at (616) 895-3617 or via e-mail at [email protected].