News
Happy Anniversary to BLI
The Beckman Laser Institute (BLI) celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 9, 2006. At an evening reception, friends and employees of the Institute mingled with donors and many former BLI employees, some of whom came from as far away as Israel and Norway.
Presentations were given by UCI Chancellor Dr. Michael Drake; Patricia Beckman, the daughter of Dr. Arnold O. Beckman; BLI Founding Director, Dr. Michael Berns; and BLI Director Dr. Bruce Tromberg.
Dr. Drake spoke about the achievements of the Beckman Laser Institute and of his own benefit from the thoughtful philanthropy of Dr. and Mrs. Arnold Beckman. He aptly described the Institute as a model of interdisciplinary links between physical science, chemistry, computer sciences, biology and medicine. Holding BLI up as a model for the future, he said it .continues to shine, casting a lasting legacy of scholarship and innovation at the University of California, Irvine..
The warm, appreciative tone of the evening continued as Dr. Berns thanked the many people who traveled from all over the world to share the special occasion at BLI. He talked about his appreciation for Arnold and Mabel Beckman and the key people who helped make the model of the Institute a reality. Then Dr. Berns told the story of the evolution of the Beckman Laser Institute through the generosity of Dr. Beckman.
Many in attendance learned of BLI.s roots when Pat Beckman talked about the early life of her dad, Dr. Arnold O. Beckman. She described the instruments and businesses he developed throughout his life, explaining that in fact both of her parents were interested in establishing cutting edge research centers. Dr. Beckman also had an interest in lasers and the possibilities they posed. He was intrigued by the collaboration of basic research and clinical applications, and the model that Dr. Berns posed to Dr. Beckman sparked enough interest to gain the funds necessary to build the Beckman Laser Institute.
Dr. Tromberg shared his .State of the Art. address. He illustrated the full scope of BLI as a multidisciplinary research, teaching, clinical and technology-transfer facility with its specialty in optics in Biology and Medicine. Stressing the importance of the BLI, Inc. non-profit and the Beckman Foundation, Dr. Tromberg explained the ways in which both help move the Institute forward. He remains impressed and constantly motivated by the vision that Drs. Berns and Beckman had in the formation of the Institute and took this opportunity to thank all of BLI.s current and former employees for always striving to expand and excel.
Following the speakers, Dr. Tromberg presented eleven awards to BLI employees and former employees who have contributed significantly to the growth of the Institute. Engraved crystal statuettes were given to Michael Berns for exemplary leadership and vision; Stuart Nelson for exemplary leadership and service; Yona Tadir, Sol Kimel, Lars Svaasand, Leacky Liaw, Marie Wilson, Elaine Kato, Chung-Ho Sun, Jeff Andrews and Beverly Hyndman for their exceptional dedication and service.
Guests enjoyed hors d.oeuvres and the music of Rich Cozzi and David Goldberg, were provided tours, and had the opportunity to view research and historical posters of the Beckman Laser Institute. Many thanks are to be given to the committee members for dedicating many hours of their time in planning this special event: Jeff Andrews, Jeff Beckwith, Debbie Birnie, Devi Callian, Junko Cora, Valerie Croft, Richard Diaz, Jennifer Dorwachter, Christine Fantone, Jenni Frank, Midge Garrison, Debbi Gordon, Prajay Kapadia, Kristen Kelly, Erin Miller and Diane Wilson.