Emeritus Professor of Economics Richard Lucier

Several of Denison University’s loyal alumni have come together to fund a professorship at the college to honor Emeritus Professor of Economics Richard Lucier, who taught at Denison from 1971 until his retirement in 2002.

The effort was initiated as part of Denison’s Higher Ground fundraising campaign by George Milbourn, class of 1965, and Margaret McKenzie Milbourn, class of 1967, both of Painesville, Ohio; along with their daughter, Jane Milbourn Neubauer, class of 1991, of Chardon, Ohio. Within weeks, so many members of the alumni were glad for the opportunity to recognize Lucier, that what began as a faculty-support fund grew into a $1.5 million endowed professorship.

“The relationship between students and professors is special at Denison,” says University President Dale Knobel. “Nothing shows that better than the number of graduates from across the country and around the world who made gifts to honor Dick Lucier, a professor who had a profound effect upon their lives and careers. This professorship is a fitting tribute to a great teacher and to the lasting impact of a Denison education.”

The Richard Lucier Professorship recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated teaching and scholarship that enhances opportunities for students to study relevant and innovative ideas, which was the hallmark of Lucier’s work during his tenure at Denison. Thousands of Denisonians remember with fondness his grasp of economics, engaging classroom persona, wide-ranging interests and trenchant wit.

Lucier, who continues to reside in Granville, earned a bachelor’s degree at Beloit College, a master’s at Purdue University and a doctorate at Claremont Graduate School.

“Denison is extremely grateful that individuals from many generations have come together in support of great teaching,” says Tom Hoaglin, class of 1971, co-chair of the Higher Ground campaign and president, chairman and CEO of Huntington Bancshares Inc. and the Huntington National Bank.

Eric Liebl, professor of biology and chair of the Department of Biology, has been appointed to a five-year term as the first holder of the Lucier Professorship. Liebl joined Denison’s faculty in 1994. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate at the University of California. He teaches cellular and molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology and bioethics. His research uses fruit fly genetics to study how the central nervous system develops.

- DU -