The Gschneidners Stress The Importance Of Education By Designating Detroit Mercy As A Beneficiary

Karl Gschneidner ’52 believed that a good education makes a positive difference in the world. His desire for students to achieve success in their studies was the reason he and his wife, Melba, have designated University of Detroit Mercy as one of the beneficiaries of a Charitable Remainder Trust.

“The solution to a lot of the world’s problems is through education,“ said Gschneidner. “The biggest need is to support students in school. I hope our contribution to Detroit Mercy will be used to fund scholarships.”

Gschneidner, who passed away in April 2016, understood the power of education first hand. As a student at U of D, he excelled in science and chemistry and was head of the chemistry club. He received his bachelor’s degree from the then College of Arts and Sciences, and credits his faculty advisor, Professor Everette Henderson, for guiding him toward Iowa State University (ISU) where he earned his doctorate in physical chemistry.

Eventually, Gschneidner’s passion for chemistry led to a dual career, which spanned four decades. At the Ames Laboratory, Gschneidner worked as a senior metallurgist. As a distinguished professor at ISU, he instructed students in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering.

Gschneidner returned to Detroit Mercy in 2000 to be honored as the Science Alumnus of the Year. This honor joined an already lengthy list of professional accomplishments recognized by industry associations and the U.S. Department of Energy. In 2007, he reached the high point in his career when the National Academy of Engineering elected Gschneidner as a member for his contributions “to the science and technology of rare earth materials.”

Gschneidner traveled extensively to visit his four children who live around the country and to give speeches in his area of expertise, including his address at the 25th anniversary of the Rare Earth Society of Japan.

Through all of his life experiences, he stressed the main reason for his success: his undergraduate education at University of Detroit Mercy.