Dear Faculty, Staff, and Emeriti Colleagues,
We are writing to share the sad news that Ken Rousslang, Professor Emeritus in Chemistry, unexpectedly passed away late last week.
Following graduate work at the University of Washington, Ken came to Puget Sound in the 1975-1976 academic year as a Physical Chemist. Through his 33 years as part of our community, Ken was a key member of the Chemistry Department – he was even described by one colleague as a “pillar of the department.” Over his career he generously acted as an informal mentor to numerous junior faculty both in the department and outside of it. His positive attitude, coupled with his warm and quick smile, made him popular with both colleagues and students.
He was much loved by his students, many of whom affectionately referred to him by his last name: “Rousslang.” He was an excellent teacher, able to present complex concepts in a clear manner, and in 2002 he received the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Ken was also a leader in promoting faculty research with undergraduate student collaborators at Puget Sound and he presented some of his research as the 1989 Regester Lecturer. His research focused on studying the fluorescence and phosphorescence of biological molecules and garnered external funding from the M.J. Murdock Trust as well as Research Corporation. Ken loved working with his research students and was proud of their many accomplishments after they graduated. In recognition of his efforts, Ken was appointed Professor of Natural Sciences in 2006, which was a title he kept until he retired, after a long and wonderful career, at the end of the fall semester in 2008. During the Spring of 2009, a special day-long research symposium in his honor was held on campus where many of his students returned to describe their research activities as PhD candidates and young faculty members. It was an amazing demonstration of the impact that Ken had on his students and on the field of physical chemistry.
Ken was an avid cyclist. He would often bring his bike into work and sneak out in the middle of the day for a bike workout. He transmitted his love of cycling to many others in the campus community and also to his wife Mary Magee (daughter of Professor Emeritus of Philosophy John Magee) and son Zach. Social rides with groups of family and friends were a central part of his life.
Ken’s family is working with several campus colleagues to discuss options for an on-campus event to celebrate his life. We will share that information once details are confirmed. In the meantime, please continue to hold Mary and Zach, and all of those close to Ken in your hearts as they go through this time of loss and grief.
With great care,
Rev. Dave Wright ’96 | University Chaplain
Members of the Chemistry Department
Laura Behling, Ph.D. | Provost and Professor of English