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Last updated on Tuesday, April 28, 2015
(VINCENNES) - Vincennes University will award an honorary doctorate degree in Science to Jay Bardole, professor of Chemistry Emeritus, during commencement ceremonies on May 2, 2 p.m. (EDT), in the P.E. Complex.
Bardole began his career teaching Organic Chemistry at VU in 1966 and became chair of the Chemistry Department in 1968, beginning decades of service that included being named interim dean of the Science and Mathematics in 2012. VU recognized him with the Vincennes University President's award in 2012, its Peer Recognition Award 2005, and its Award for Exemplary Service in 1998.
"We are delighted to honor Jay's lifetime of exemplary service to Vincennes University. He has brought honor and distinction to VU while providing for our graduates a foundation of scholarship that has enabled them to excel at some of the top universities in the nation. Many of our graduates cite his influence in helping them achieve their goals," said VU President Dick Helton.
He was given a Lifetime Service Award from the Two-Year College Chemistry Conference, a division of the American Chemical Society in 2008. He served as chair of the 2YC3 and editor of Chemistry in the Two-Year College from 1974-1982. Bardole was also named the Two-Year College Chemistry Teacher by the Chemical Manufacturers Association in 1992. He has served in numerous capacities for state and national chemistry organizations.
His award-winning instruction has also been rewarded by the successful careers of his many former students, including current VU Board of Trustees member Susan Olesik, professor of Chemistry at Ohio State University, who has been engaged in research for NASA.
Bardole is a graduate of Grinnell College with an A.B. in Chemistry and was awarded their Travel Service Scholarship to teach chemistry and biology at Cuttington College in Liberia from 1963-1964. Bardole completed his M.S. in Chemistry at DePauw University in 1966 and has done post-graduate work at Oregon State University and Indiana State University.
His main focus has always been teaching General and Organic Chemistry and related science classes. He taught scientific and decorative glass blowing to science and art students and taught the chemistry of Fuels, Lubricants and Coolants to diesel mechanic students. He participated in an NSF grant that encouraged students to learn chemistry by doing undergraduate research.
Bardole has worked at Restorco of Vincennes since 1983, developing paint removers and finishes that are sold under the Kwick-Kleen name. He has written the chapter on "Paint and Finish Removers" for publication in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia. Bardole has also completed research projects for Commercial Solvents Company of Terre Haute; Good Samaritan Hospital with research on uremia and the kidney dialysis machine, and research on methane production from livestock waste for Alternate Energy Systems, Inc. He did research with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop disease-resistant strains of cantaloupe.
During the 1980s he conducted Elementary Science Workshops and glass blowing demonstrations in area schools. He worked with the Vincennes Community Schools on adoption of high school chemistry and elementary science textbooks. Since his retirement he and his wife Ellen have taught hands-on science to fourth graders at Vigo Elementary School on Fridays. He also served as project director for federally funded grants for Chemistry at VU.
Bardole has been acknowledged for having developed an eclectic teaching philosophy which has undergirded his development into a master teacher among his highly qualified and innovative peers at VU. His colleagues across the campus have benefited from his leadership and assistance in academic studies.
When he was nominated for the Two-Year College Chemistry Teacher Award, one of the administrators stated, "Exemplifying the axiom that standing still equates to moving backward, Jay Bardole has amassed an impressive portfolio of research projects, both in education and the private sector, making him a more proficient and knowledgeable teacher and advisor of students."
Alumni in the fields of dentistry, medicine, pharmacy veterinary medicine, and chemistry acknowledge the contributions Professor Bardole has contributed to their successes in their chosen careers.
Married to Ellen Bardole, retired professor of Chemistry, they are the parents of two daughters, both VU alumni, Heidi and Heather, and four grandchildren, Margaret, Amanda, Jane and Janelle.
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