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Biology professor George Hoffmann, the first Anthony and
Renee Marlon Professor in the Sciences, delivered the inaugural
Marlon Lecture in December to an audience of students, colleagues,
his family and his generous benefactors. Hoffmann presented
the lecture, "A Personal Reflection
on Mutations and Students," in the newly-renovated O'Neil Hall.
"A common misconception is that scientific discovery is the result of dramatic
breakthroughs," Hoffmann said. "In fact, while breakthroughs do occasionally
occur, much of science is a process of chipping away at the unknown. Students
must be able to do science, not just read about it, and the undergraduate years
are the ideal time to introduce
students to research."
That philosophy impressed alumnus Anthony
Marlon, M.D., '63 and his wife, Renee, on an earlier visit to campus when they
met with faculty and students. It brought them back to The Hill from their home
in Nevada to attend the first lecture delivered in celebration of the professorship
that carries their names. Marlon, is chairman and chief executive officer of
Sierra Health Services, Inc., in Las Vegas. As he explained when he made the
gift that created the Marlon Professorship, "I appreciate the level of sophistication
and the whole training process
that goes on at Holy Cross-and I really think it needs to be supported."
Hoffmann expressed deep gratitude to the Marlons for
that support. He also spoke of the pleasure of working with the gifted and enthusiastic
Holy Cross undergraduates
who populate his classroom and lab each day, and of the freedom he and his students
enjoy while pursuing
their research projects at a liberal arts college.
Stephen Ainlay, vice president for academic affairs and
dean of the College, discussed the importance of the Marlons' generous
gift and the appropriateness of selecting Hoffmann as the
first recipient of the newly-endowed professorship. Ainlay
cited the biology
professor's commitment to serving his profession, his gift for teaching, his
tireless pursuit of compelling research questions and his intense desire to share
his passion for science.
"The Marlon Professorship is intended to acknowledge the contributions of a faculty
member working in the sciences, but it is
not simply a 'lifetime achievement award,'" Ainlay said. "It is a significant
resource for a faculty member pursuing an active program of teaching and research.
We are very grateful to Anthony and Renee Marlon for this wonderfully generous
and tremendously vital investment in our faculty, our students
and our future."
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