Dr. John Bohmfalk in a lab in Morrison-Reeves Science Center, (Hastings College, Courtesy)
HASTINGS — For more than a quarter century as a professor at Hastings College, Dr. John Bohmfalk inspired countless future scientists by helping them develop an understanding of biology and chemistry. His patience, kindness and encouraging words made a difference for many.
Although Bohmfalk retired in 2019, he has stayed connected to the College and recently invested in the Biology Department by establishing the Bohmfalk Biology Equipment Endowed Fund as a way to ensure students and faculty have the tools and instruments they need to be successful. A percent of the invested endowment will be used each year to cover these expenses, ensuring Bohmfalk’s legacy.
“I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can support faculty and students, and knew it would be helpful to start an endowed fund that focuses on equipment needs. Starting the fund now lets me see the benefits from it first hand. It’s exciting,” Bohmfalk said. “And while I’ve launched this fund and will continue to contribute to it, it would be wonderful to see others join in and really help it grow.”
The chair of the Biology Department and biology faculty will determine the equipment and supply needs the fund will support, within terms of the endowment and with approval from the College’s vice president of academic affairs.
“There are supplies and items we need every year, and at the same time we need to plan for bigger expenses because lab equipment, such as microscopes, centrifuges, PCR machines, ultrasound equipment and spectrometers need to be replaced over time, or replaced with upgraded options,” said Dr. Amanda Solem, biology professor and chair of the department. “I’m so thankful to Dr. Bohmfalk for starting this fund. It will make such a difference and allow the department to use its budgeted resources in new and better ways.”
Bohmfalk and Chelsea LeMar, executive director of the Hastings College Foundation, signed the endowed fund agreement on November 20in Barrett Alumni Center.
“Students who were mentored by Dr. Bohmfalk know of his generous nature, and how he cared deeply about their learning, and about Hastings College,” LeMar said. “We are very thankful to him for recognizing a need within the Biology Department and providing the funds to launch an endowed fund to help.”
To join Dr. Bohmfalk in supporting future scientists, interested donors are encouraged to contact the Hastings College Foundation.
About Dr. John Bohmfalk
Dr. John Bohmfalk’s teaching career spanned more than three decades, with more than a quarter century of that being at Hastings College as professor of biology from 1993 until his retirement in 2019. He was faculty senate president during the construction of the Morrison-Reeves Science Center, and had the opportunity to weigh in on the design of the facility.
In 2000, he was presented the Vondrak Outstanding Advisor Award. Two years later he earned the Richard B. and Dorothy K. Tickler Distinguished Professorship in Science. He was also honored with the Distinguished Senior Faculty Award. Whether in his home over the holiday season, or in his lab coat in Steinhart Hall and later Morrison-Reeves, he inspired countless future scientists by helping them develop a deep understanding of biology and chemistry by meeting them at their own level. He was inducted in the Hastings College Pro Rege Society in 2023.
