Michigan Technological University's physics department is the new beneficiary of a generous gift from an alumnus. Richard and Elizabeth Henes of Arizona recently gave the department $700,000 to upgrade its research facilities in Fisher Hall.
The reason? Chair of physics Ravindra Pandey says it's the first step toward establishing a Henes Institute of Quantum Phenomena at the university. The institute's goal will be to lead investigations of quantum phenomena across several disciplines, including nanotechnology and computing.
"Its mission will be to provide national leadership in investigation of processes linked together on the interdisciplinary theme of 'quantum world'," says Pandey.
The Henes believe this interdisciplinary approach will produce important advances in technology in the next century, and want to help prepare students for an increasingly demanding world of technology.
"Their gift creates an unprecedented opportunity to advance quantum physics research at Michigan Tech," Pandey says.
It's not the first gift from the Henes, who also have endowed a chair in mechanical engineering, a professorship in mathematical sciences -- currently held by Shuanglin Zhang -- and a scholarship at the college.
Richard Henes originally is from Menominee and got his a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from MTU in 1948. Following that up with a law degree from the University of Michigan, he later founded Henes Manufacturing Company, Henes Products and Henes Stamping.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Ravindra Pandey, Michigan Technological University
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