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Index:

Science Building

3 Science Alumni

Theme: "Doing Science"

Theme: Science Community

Many Distinguished Science-Related Alumni

Grinnell is justifiably proud of its alumni. Here are just three notable Grinnell alumni:

Thomas R. Cech '1970
- 1989 co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his research finding that RNA can act as a catalyst for biologically important chemical reactions
- In 1995, President Clinton awarded him the Medal of Science.
- Dr. Cech was part of a research team that discovered the human gene for the enzyme telomerase in 1997.
- In 1987, he received an honorary degree from Grinnell.
- Dr. Cech now serves on Grinnell's Board of Trustees
Nathaniel Borenstein '1980
- Dr. Borenstein was the primary author of MIME protocol, the mechanism used to send multi-media e-mail attachments — used by millions of people each day.
- In 1990, Dr. Borenstein received the New York University Olive Branch Award for an essay he wrote about peace.
- Past President, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
- Dr. Borenstein has served on national boards of the Institute for Global Communications and Peace Action.
- In 2013, he received an honorary degree from Grinnell.
Robert Noyce 1949
- Grew up in Grinnell, Iowa, attended local schools, and majored in physics at Grinnell
- Dr. Noyce co-invented the integrated circuit, with a patent filed in July 1959. Overall, he was granted 15 patents.
- Dr. Noyce and Gordon Moore founded Intel in 1968.
- Dr. Noyce was honored by many awards, including three from U.S. presidents.
- Dr. Noyce served on the Grinnell College Board of Trustees for many years.

Robert Noyce '49 Science Center

The building honors Noyce's technical achievements that transformed modern electronics, his inventiveness in science, technology, and entrepreneurship, and his on-going interactions with the Grinnell community.

Dr. Noyce was a generous contributor to the college, but he did not pay for the building.
Many donors made the science building possible (see some names near the top of the stairway by the west door). A donor plaque also may be found at the building's north entrance.
During his lifetime, he did not want his name put on any building.
Naming the building was actively debated after his death — the college wanted to honor his efforts in technology, in entrepreneurship, and for the college.

created 25 June 2013
last revised 25 June 2013