Scholars News Desk
Founding Director of Life Sciences to Step Down
May 8, 2009
Dr. Lee Hellman, the esteemed Faculty Director of the Life Sciences program, has announced his retirement following more than 15 years with the program. Hellman helped found the Life Sciences program, one of the original four programs, back in 1993. Dr. Reid Compton will take over the program next year.
Hellman has helped build Life Sciences into one of the most successful and in-demand programs in College Park Scholars. “I’ve been at it for all this time, it is time to let someone else have all the fun,” Hellman said. “I’ve had such a pleasure teaching these kids, I’ve made so many wonderful memories.”
Hellman has started many traditions that have become a mainstay of the Life Sciences program. These include an annual camping trip and Oktoberfest, where students are treated to sausages at the bee house and have the chance to bond as a program. It’s the tight-knit relationships that make Life Sciences special, according to Hellman.
Life Sciences students know that Hellman will be sorely missed. “The program won’t be the same without him,” Christina Buckless, a freshman Life Sciences scholar, said. “He is a one of a kind person.”
For more information on College Park Scholars or this release, contact: Kevin Baxter at bax@umd.edu or 301-314-2777.
