Campus and community members will come together this Sunday and Monday to remember the life and career of one of the University’s most influential researchers, who passed away last month.
Professor Aaron Novick died Dec. 22 at the age of 81 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. A memorial service will be held at Temple Beth Israel, 2550 Portland St., from 3 to 4 p.m., and an informal gathering to remember Novick will be held in the Browsing Room of the Knight Library from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday. Both events are open to the public.
Novick established the Institute of Molecular Biology at the University in 1959. He then made several breakthroughs in DNA and other areas of molecular research before retiring from the University in the mid-1980s. Prior to his work with the University, Novick was a key researcher with the U.S. government’s Manhattan Project, in which the nuclear bombs used to end World War II were developed.
After the bombs were used on civilian population centers, Novick devoted himself to campaigning for civilian control of the nuclear arsenal and limits on nuclear weapons. He is remembered by many as a passionate speaker on the subjects.
Novick’s son Adam, 45, a technical writer and resident of Eugene, remembered his father as one of the brightest and funniest people in his life.
“He was real bright; he kept me on my toes,” he said. “It was a thrill to keep up with him … to try and keep up with him.”
Novick is also survived by his son David, 48, a professor of computer sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso; and his wife, Jane, 76, who has been active throughout her life in both local and national political causes.
Retired University Sports Information Director George Beres said he knew Novick through their involvement in the campus organization University Arms Control Forum. He said Novick was both a dedicated researcher and an inspirational speaker, especially when talking about the threats of nuclear warfare.
“He tried to warn people, as he put it, once the genie is out of the bottle you can’t put it back in,” he said.
Chemistry professor Peter Von Hippel was a long-time colleague of Novick’s, and fondly remembered his time with the professor. He said Novick brought a new level of research to the University.
“He made this place from a backwater to a real center for research,” he said.
Von Hippel said part of Novick’s success at the University came through his good nature and devotion to his ideals.
“He was a wonderful man and a wonderful friend and colleague,” he said. “We will miss him dearly.”