LOUIS GERSTNER

GERSTNER--Louis. The Trustees and community of the American Museum of Natural History are deeply saddened by the death of Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., Trustee leader, major benefactor, and catalyst. A Trustee since 2003, he served as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chair of the Science Policy Committee where he brought to bear his deep love of research and discovery. A transformative philanthropist, Lou lent his leadership and support to science, education, and biomedical initiatives at many institutions, including at the Museum with the establishment in 2008 of the Gerstner Scholars postdoctoral fellowship program, which to date has provided support for more than 50 early-career biologists, and is making a lasting impact on the national and global scientific community. In addition, the Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Collections Core in our Gilder Center stands as a monument to his commitment to sharing the excitement and promise of science with the broad public. In recognition of his achievements, our Richard Gilder Graduate School awarded him the honorary Doctor of Science degree in 2014. A person of fierce intellect, boundless curiosity, and ingenious creativity, he was a probing interlocutor and galvanizing force, challenging and always inspiring us to advance our mission in new ways. Most especially, he loved meeting with our Gerstner Scholars, hearing about their work, and, true to form, encouraging them to aspire boldly. Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Robin, his daughter Elizabeth, and the entire Gerstner family. Scott L. Bok, Chair Sean M. Decatur, President