Optics Scholarship Established at UA to Honor Edmund

Edmund Optics CEO Robert Edmund has made a generous gift to the University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences in honor of his father, the late Norman Edmund. The permanent endowment establishes the Norman W. Edmund Merit Scholarship in Optical Sciences and will support undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers in optics.

The scholarship is in addition to the company’s own Norman Edmund Inspiration Award, which will be awarded Oct. 9 to an outstanding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program that best embodies the legacy of Edmund Optics’ founder. (See: Inspiration Award Honors Edmund Optics Founder)

“I feel a deep sense of pride when hearing stories of childhood memories linked to Edmund Scientific,” Robert Edmund said. “Now, each time the Norman W. Edmund Merit Scholarship is awarded, my father’s legacy will again be celebrated in a very tangible way in the field of optics.”

The scholarship “accelerates the mission of the College of Optical Sciences — and the University of Arizona — by advancing the educational opportunities of our students,” said Thomas L. Koch, dean of the College of Optical Sciences. “While the quality of our academic and research programs is the key factor in recruiting talented students, the availability of scholarships helps secure their enrollment.”

In addition to Robert’s personal interest in the college, serving as a volunteer chair for its development board of directors, his company also has a role as a corporate partner.

“Edmund Optics’ commitment is evident from their engagement in student development and recruitment, research collaboration and community outreach,” Koch said. “Many of our graduates have joined the company over the years and gone on to very successful careers. I know that many more will do so in the future. The Norman W. Edmund Merit Scholarship underscores a very strong bond.”

“Establishing this scholarship suits my father’s unquestionable interest in furthering the fascination of young students. Making this gift was an important decision, not just for my family, but also for the College of Optical Sciences and the field of optics,” Robert said. “We want to continue what we’re doing here and do it even better. Another generation of engaged optics researchers will be a fitting legacy for my father.”

For more information, visit: www.optics.arizona.edu or www.edmundoptics.com