Dr. Dave Walba Honored at “Camp Chem” for Nearly Five Decades of Service

The Department of Chemistry gathered for its annual summer celebration to reflect on the academic year and celebrate the many contributions of its community. This year’s event carried a festive summer camp theme and was a vibrant mix of music, games, food, drinks, and warm camaraderie.

Emily Scott (Administrative Assistant), Sharon Thomas (Operations Manager), and Jay Bolan (Graduate Program Manager) transformed the Koenig Alumni Center into cheerful, summer-camp-inspired retreat, or "Camp Chem" as they affectionately dubbed the celebration.  

Among the highlights of the event was a heartfelt farewell to Dr. Wei Zhang, who will be stepping down as Chair of the Department at the end of June. The department expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Zhang’s outstanding leadership over the past three years. His dedication, steady guidance, and advocacy for faculty and students alike have left a lasting mark. Beginning July 1, Dr. Joost de Gouw will step into the role of Chair, and the department looks forward to this new chapter under his leadership.

But perhaps the most moving moment of “Camp Chem” was the recognition of Dr. Dave Walba, who is retiring after an incredible 48-year career with the University of Colorado Boulder.

Dr. Walba joined the Department of Chemistry in 1977, and his contributions to science, education, and the university community are nothing short of extraordinary. In collaboration with colleagues in Physics, he helped pioneer the development of ferroelectric liquid crystals, a breakthrough in display technologies. He also co-founded two companies stemming from CU’s liquid crystal research, helped establish the department’s Materials and Nanoscience Program, and served as Chair of the department.

His excellence in the classroom and his mentorship has guided countless students over the years. His impact is both profound and enduring.

The celebration also acknowledged a generous and transformative gift from Dr. Walba and his wife, Cassandra Geneson, who met at CU Boulder—Cassandra earned her degree in anthropology in 1976. Together, they have made a $1 million bequest to the Department of Chemistry, creating a lasting legacy of support for future generations of students and researchers.

As the department celebrates Dr. Walba’s retirement at the end of the Spring 2025 term, it does so with deep gratitude, admiration, and heartfelt congratulations for a truly remarkable career.