Statement by President Evan Dobelle on the Passing of Dr. Paul Scheuer, Professor Emeritus, Marine Chemistry

It is with great sadness that the University of Hawai'i mourns the passing of one of its most prominent and distinguished professors, Dr. Paul Scheuer, a world leader in the study of marine chemistry and an influential faculty member in the Department of Chemistry.

Dr. Scheuer, considered by many to be the Father of Marine Chemistry, began his famous career with UH in 1950 after graduating from Harvard. In addition to making innumerable contributions to his field, Dr. Scheuer directed and mentored hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students, authored numerous journal papers, and was asked to lecture and present at conferences and meetings around the world. Well into his 80s, the emeritus professor continued to study the molecular chemistry of coral reef organisms, isolating and testing toxins and compounds for their pharmaceutical potential. When asked by former students what kept him in the lab long hours five days a week well into retirement, Dr. Scheuer responded with "I love what I‘m doing."

Dr. Scheuer received the UH Regents‘ Medal for Excellence in Research in addition to awards from the American Society of Pharmacognosy and the American Chemical Society. When former students initiated the Paul J. Scheuer Award in Marines Natural Products Research in 1992, he was the first recipient. A special tribute was held in his honor during the 2000 PACIFICHEM International Congress of the Pacific Basin Chemical Societies‘ Honolulu meeting.