One of our student organization is the Biology Club. Students have access to a computer linked to the web and areas for study. This student organization sponsors get-togethers, annual-haunted house for holloween, and trips to the regional Tri-Beta meeting for students presenting research. Tri Beta also interacts with Medical Science Club on several other projects.
To learn more about Tri Beta Society, go the the following links:
A scholarship for a Tri Beta student has been created in memorium to former USC Biology Professor Gerald Farris. Applications are through the Tri Beta Club.
Gerald Farris took a lot of pride in his job as a biology professor at the University of Southern Colorado. "He cared deeply about the students and he cared deeply about the university," said Jack Seilheimer, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. "He's going to be greatly missed in this department." Farris died Wednesday after a long bout with cancer. He was 64. Farris began teaching at USC in 1967 and was instrumental in helping to develop the biology department.
Seilheimer said Farris had taught mammology (study of mammals) and ornithology (the study of birds). He also began the radiation biology courses at USC. But Seilheimer said his recent passion was in electron microscopy -- a science that involves looking a the molecular structure of plants and animals. "He had a lot to do with the setting up of the electron microscopy lab," he said. "He helped set up the management plan and helped secure grants to purchase the equipment."
Farris was also among the fist faculty members to involve undergraduate students in research, according to Neal Osborn, fellow USC biology professor and department chairman. "His grants were designed to involve undergraduate students," he said. "he taught field courses in ornithology and mammology and had as much fun in the field as his students." Osborn added that Farris was always an advocate for students. "He really cared for his students and put in extra time for them," he said. "He was excited when the lesson sank in, when his students saw the light. He expected excellence from them and did everything he could to help them achieve that goal."
Seilheimer said Farris cared so much about his students that he continued teaching until last month, when his illness forced him to quit. "He always maintained to the last minute, the hope that he would come back," he said. "And so did we." He added that Farris was so committed to his students that even when he could no longer teach, he kept in frequent contact with the professors who took over his courses.
Farris was remembered not only for his compassion for student, but for the faculty and staff as well. "He was very easy to work for and a pleasure to work with," said Marijane Martinez, who worked 10 years with him as an administrative assistant in the biology department. "He cared about everyone." Ms Martinez said one of the things she's going to miss about Farris is the jars of homemade jelly he periodically brought to his colleagues and staff members. "He was a very giving person," she said. "I'm sure that was why he was well liked by the students." In addition to his duties as biology professor, Farris also taught a course for students who intended to be biology teachers.
He also was a longtime faculty representative on the athletic board. In that role, Farris would work with the athletic department to verify records for student athletes. He was also an avid supporter of USC basketball, according to Seilheimer.
Away from USC, Farris and his wife, Patricia, were involved in the Riverside Saddle Club and the Southern Colorado Horseman's Association. Farris is survived by his wife, four children, four stepchildren and 12 grandchildren.
by Gayle Perez
The Pueblo Chieftain
Saturday, March 15, 1997