Gift Creates Chair in Chemistry

Hoke and Stella Greene have been serving and shaping the chemistry department for more than 80 years. Their most recent commitment was announced and celebrated on September 20th at a special gathering with friends and faculty from the department. The bright and still beautiful, 99-year-old Stella joined in celebrating her planned gift, which will create the Hoke S., and Stella Potter Greene Chair in Catalytic Chemistry.

Stella became secretary for the department in 1923. Hoke earned his PhD at UC in 1930, after which he pursued a post-doctoral fellowship and worked for DuPont for several years. In 1934, he became an assistant professor of chemistry in the department of chemical engineering, and in 1936, he married the indispensable Stella Potter. Stella was such an integral member of the department that Old Chem at that time was affectionately known as Potter Hall.

In 1945, at the ripe old age of 39, Hoke became a full professor and department head. He was promoted to dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in 1947, and his exceptional administrative skills lead him to the deanship of academic administration in 1956. Three years later, he was appointed to UC's highest academic office, vice president and dean of faculty. He played a key role in UC's transition from a city college to a state-supported university with growing enrollment and academic programs. In 1967, he transitioned to vice president for research, where he served until retirement.

The Hoke S. Greene Laboratory of Catalysis on the sixth floor of Crosley was created on the recommendation of the faculty. Hoke and Stella have been generous annual supporters of their lab, under the continuing leadership of their long-time friend, Milton Orchin. Their dedication to the University and devotion to the chemistry department are truly eternal.