How best to remember Jeff Byers? Several people have asked me what charities would be best to donate to in Jeff’s name, and certainly Jeff had some causes that he cared deeply about. But I am very excited about a new scholarship endowment fund set up in Jeff’s name at the University of Texas at Austin through the efforts of Paul Zimmerman and Grant Willson. Below is a letter describing the fund and how to donate to it.<\/p>\n
January 20, 2008<\/p>\n
Dear Friends of Jeff Byers;<\/p>\n
We are all struggling to come to terms with Jeff\u2019s untimely passing on November 4th. Several of us have been discussing ways to serve Jeff\u2019s memory. We have decided that our best idea is to set up the Jeff Byers Memorial Award through an endowment at The University of Texas at Austin. This award will be given annually to the UT Chemistry or Chemical Engineering graduate student that best typifies the qualities exhibited by Jeff during his lifetime. The award will have an academic excellence component and an equally important component based on the candidate\u2019s selflessly helping his peers. We have all experienced Jeff\u2019s generous nature, where he would put himself second to help a friend, student, or a colleague with their work or problem. We no longer can tell him how much we appreciate all he did for us on human and professional levels; however, this award, by small measure, will allow us all to memorialize Jeff\u2019s enduring spirit. <\/p>\n
We are hopeful that you will join us with any size contribution you see fit in order to help reach our goal and create a permanent endowment named for Jeff at $25,000. The University of Texas will administer the endowment, and all donations are tax-deductible. The endowment is a sincere commitment to honor Jeff with a very meaningful tribute, and will no doubt be considered prestigious by the students that receive it. The Jeff Byers Memorial Award in Chemistry\/Chemical Engineering will forever be a testament to how he was a part of our lives while also providing support for future students in the Departments in perpetuity. This endowment will be used to directly support future generations of graduate students in Jeff\u2019s name, building on his already deep legacy of giving and helping others. <\/p>\n
To join us in creating this annual award in Jeff\u2019s memory, checks and pledges can be sent directly to the University at the address below. Checks should be made out to UT Austin, with an important note in the memo field that the gift is \u201cin memory of Jeff Byers,\u201d and mailed to:<\/p>\n
Attn: Tim Aronson
\nCollege of Natural Sciences, Office of the Dean
\nThe University of Texas
\n1 University Station G2500
\nAustin, Texas 78712-0549<\/p>\n