Oral History with Luther Brice, Interview 2, March 26, 2015

Creator:

Brice, Luther and Kennelly, Tamara

Scope and content:

In this second oral history, Professor Brice discusses his approach to and ideas about teaching. He also explains some aspects of his chemical magic show. The interview was conducted by Tamara Kennelly on March 26, 2015 at Innovation Space on the Virginia Tech campus.

Biographical / historical:

Luther Kennedy Brice, Jr. was born and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard, a master's from Dartmouth, and a Ph.D. from Duke University. Brice began working at Virginia Tech as assistant professor of chemistry in 1954. He earned tenure two years later and became a full professor in 1966. He served as professor of chemistry and Acting Head of the Chemistry Department in 1966-67. He received both of Virginia Tech's prestigious teaching awards. In 1961, he was awarded the University Wine Award that recognizes a history of university teaching excellence and involves automatic induction into the Academy of Teaching Excellence. In 1966, he was the first winner of the University Sporn Award for Teaching Introductory Subjects. He took early retirement in 1986 when he moved to Washington, D.C. and taught as an adjunct professor at American University. During his years at Virginia Tech, Brice taught 23,593 students in freshman chemistry, physical chemistry, and principles of chemistry. He was also known as "Merlin the Magician" when he donned the blue cape made for him by his students and presented his chemical magic show.

Material specific details:

00:32:51

Related material:

A previous interview with Luther Brice was conducted on October 24, 2014.

Location of originals:

Oral History with Luther Brice, Interview 2, March 26, 2015.

Subjects:

Sexual minorities
University History

Names:

Brice, Luther
Brice, Luther
Kennelly, Tamara

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