Stephen Evangelos "Evan" CHIPOURAS

CHIPOURAS, Stephen Evangelos "Evan" age 58, associate professor of biology at the University of Tampa, died March 17, 2014, in Tampa after a six month battle with gastric esophageal cancer. Evan was adopted as an infant from Greece by Peter Angelo Chipouras and Ruth Pendarvis Chipouras. As a child, Evan lived around the world, in places that included England, Egypt, and South Africa. Evan attended Cross Keys High School in Atlanta, GA, and received his bachelor's degree in Psychology and master's degree in Experimental Psychology, Biopsychology program from the University of Georgia, where he additionally competed on the UGA tennis and swim teams. He later moved to Gainesville, where he resided for many years and earned his doctorate in Zoology from the University of Florida. Evan, who specialized in estuarine and coastal systems ecology, joined the University of Tampa faculty as an Assistant Professor of Biology in 1999. His research took him across the world to such areas as South America, West Central Africa and Southeast Asia. As a scientist, teacher, mentor, and friend, Evan had a profound effect on the lives of many. Evan served as the University of Tampa's founding Faculty Senate President from 2007- 2009 and served another two terms from 2010-2012. He won the Louise Loy Hunter Award and the Excellence in Academic Advising Award in 2006 and was recognized with the CNHS Outstanding Service Award in 2008. He was also past President of the Southeastern Estuarine Research Society. A quote from a 2002 article in the UT Journal serves to exemplify Evan's persona. In it, Evan speaks of his attitude about the pitfalls of international biological research, including snakes, parasites and malaria. "I don't like to wear clothes, and I don't like to use bug spray" he was quoted as saying. Evan was deeply respected by his colleagues, and deeply loved by his friends. None of his friends will ever watch World Cup soccer, sit on the beach or enjoy a rum and coke without thinking of him. Evan is predeceased by his mother, Ruth Chipouras, and his grandparents, Guilford and Ethel Mae Roberts. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Rosalyn Angela Frangi; and his stepgrandson, Oliver Charles Patrick Meegan; as well as many close friends who are deeply saddened by this loss. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, April 26, after the traditional Greek 40 day period of mourning, from 36 pm, at 710 South Davis Boulevard, in Tampa. A grant program has been set up to support undergraduate research in Evan's name. Contributions can be sent to the University of Tampa, Office of Development, at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606. Please note on the check that funds are for the Evan Chipouras Biology Student Award Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.JGRFuneralHome.com.