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Norman Hackerman Obituary

Norman Hackerman, who as president helped bolster the reputations of both the University of Texas and Rice University, died Saturday. He was 95.

Hackerman, a chemistry professor, was highly acclaimed as a research scientist, academic administrator and teacher.

Despite his age, he was still playing squash, driving to Houston, where he maintained a chemistry lab at Rice, and teaching freshman chemistry seminars at UT until just before his death.

"He did so much in his life," said Mary Ann Rankin, UT's dean of natural sciences. "He was respected everywhere for his science, his administrative ability and as a person."

Larry Faulkner, another former UT president and chemist, once called Hackerman the most important figure in science in Texas.

Among Hackerman's honors were the American Institute of Chemists' Gold Medal, the Vannevar Bush Award of the National Science Board and the National Medal of Science. He also served as chairman of the scientific advisory board of the Robert A. Welch Foundation, a philanthropic group in Houston that supports chemical research.

"I don't know anyone who is without admiration for Dr. Hackerman," said former UT President Peter Flawn, who came to UT as a research scientist when Hackerman was chairman of the chemistry department. "He was a man of complete integrity."

Hackerman was born in 1912 in Baltimore and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1935. He taught chemistry at Loyola College in Baltimore and Virginia Polytechnic Institute before joining the Manhattan Project to develop a nuclear weapon during World War II.

In 1945, he began his career at UT as an assistant professor. He rose through the ranks to become department head, dean of research and vice chancellor for the UT System before being appointed UT president in 1967.

Under his leadership in the 1960s, UT's reputation and research budget soared. Hackerman expanded the school's libraries and created a computer science program.

"He took UT from a regional university and made the changes that turned it into a major research presence," Rankin said.

He took the reins at UT when the country was awash in political turmoil over Vietnam and the student resistance movements, said Ken Ashworth, a former commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Ashworth recalled Hackerman dealing with situations such as student demonstrators squaring off against National Guardsmen on 21st Street the day after the Kent State shootings.

He described Hackerman as a tireless advocate for science and math in public schools, and the two wrote a book to persuade the Legislature to increase funding in those areas.

Hackerman took over as Rice's fourth president in 1970 when the university was struggling financially. He established several new schools and brought the institution out of its deficit, a school official said.

"In the more than two decades since he was president of Rice, Norman has been a source of advice and inspiration to higher education leaders and state and national policymakers in the areas of science and education," Rice President David Leebron said in a statement.

Hackerman left Rice in 1985 and returned to UT, where he taught as a professor emeritus. He remained active as a teacher and researcher until the very end of his life, friends say.

Many remembered Hackerman as the man who, despite his busy life, always found a way to teach freshman chemistry.

"It was his way of staying in touch with the students," Ashworth said.

Hackerman is survived by four children and several grandchildren. Services are pending; arrangements are by Weed-Corley-Fish.

[email protected]; 445-3851

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jun. 18, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman Hackerman

61 Entries

Bob Landolt

April 6, 2009

Dr. Hackerman literally was the first faculty member I met at UT in 1961 as a beginning graduate student. But it's fair to say that his impact for me and many chemistry faculty at smaller universities in Texas maximized when he took on his active role at the Welch Foundation. Through the Departmental Grant program, dozens (and perhaps hundreds) of undergraduate research projects were supported. We knew from Dr. Hackerman's constant attention and frequent good advice, that he was on top of this as well as his other mentoring services. In so many ways Dr. Hackerman was the prototypical model of the scientist-educator, coupling intellectual power, insight, and high standards with candor and a genuine, caring attention to the well-being of our community.

Martha Boyd

April 6, 2009

On behalf of the Retired Faculty-Staff Association of The University of Texas at Austin, I extend deepest sympathy to your family following the death of Norman Hackerman. He meant so much to so many members of the UT community, to the Retired Faculty-Staff Association and to the University itself by the standards that he set. His influence long will be felt. I add also my personal expression of sympathy to your family. He meant so much to me as a friend of many years. Martha Boyd, Historian, Retired Faculty-Staff Association, UT Austin

Faculty of the ACU Chemistry and Biochemistry Department

April 6, 2009

We the faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Abilene Christian University want you to know what a difference Dr. Hackerman made to our students and to us over many years. As chair of the Welch Scientific Advisory Board, he supported, encouraged, and advised us in ways that have had a profound influence. On his visits to ACU he always praised our work and dedication to students, and touted us as a model for research at small, private schools. During a time when funding for small programs was shrinking, Dr. Hackerman helped to increase our funding and so insured the continued role of research for undergraduates. Although he was an accomplished, world-renowned scientist and leader, he was kind, personable, and genuine, with never a trace of arrogance or condescension. He was a great, caring, and beneficent man. We will miss him. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Donald R. Paul

April 6, 2009

Norm was a great inspiration for me. I come to the University of Texas at Austin as a young Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering in 1967 the same year Norm became President. I had the rare privilege then of seeing him in Gregory gym nearly every day, mostly in the steam room where no-one wore clothes. I learned then that he was a rare man with great wisdom who did not need clothes or an office to be recognized for what he was. He was very helpful and inspirational to me throughout my professional career. I owe a lot to him. I will miss him. However, I know his family will miss him even more. I want to thank the family for generously sharing Norm with the rest of the world. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

denay bearden

April 6, 2009

to dr hackerman's family. I work at the Austin admirals club and have known your father for many years. I will so miss his "always" smiling face and wonderful attitude. If there is anything that any of us can do for you, please let us know. My heart goes out to you. I will also miss him very much. denay bearden

Shelton Clark

April 6, 2009

Dr. Hackerman was a great man, greater than any of us could comprehend because none of us could fully see all aspects of his accomplishments. He was an outstanding scientist and administrator, but he was a foremost a teacher in many ways more than the classroom. Despite his many achievements, he kept everything in perspective and always made time in a busy schedule for his students and colleagues. His accessibility and teaching continued long after my student days and until the end. Dr. Hackermen had the highest integrity and ethical standards, which also provided him with an unmatched objectivity. I was his last Ph.D. student at Austin but spent time in Houston lab and, as a result, shared in a small way his experiences at both UT and Rice. He was my mentor, friend, and inspiration. I will miss him.

Allen and Fran Bard

April 6, 2009

It was a privilege to know and work with Norm over the years. He was a great man and an immense help to me. We certainly will miss him.

R Malcolm Brown Jr

April 6, 2009

As a colleage with Dr. Hackerman, I have always enjoyed his friendship, his advice, his understanding, and his outstanding science. It was always a pleasure to participate in his freshman seminar series, and the students loved him. I shall truly miss Dr.Hackerman. He is a giant among giants, but what is important is that he is a human being who understands people. God Bless Malcolm June 21, 2007

Michael H. Proffitt

April 6, 2009

I knew him as a Professor (my first one in Chemistry in 1961), Chairman of UT Chemistry, President of UT and a friend. He had a full life and helped make many of our lives better.

Paula Sodders

April 6, 2009

Dr. Hackerman has been a loyal American Airlines passenger for many years. We were always a little amazed that he was still traveling and working. All of us at the AA Admirals Club will miss him.

John & Ann Riney

April 6, 2009

I was hired by Dr. Hackerman in the late nineteen fifties to set up and run an electronic instrument repair facility to be located in the chemistry department. He set the standard for what a boss should be and in the intervening fifty years I have never met his equal. Although I did not know him socially and never met any of his family I always felt that we were good friends. My wife and I attended the memorial service for his wife Gene. It was then that I saw a new dimension of Norman Hackerman as he explained that he did not share his wifes religious beliefs. He was very gracious in giving her credit for running the family and allowing him to pursue his scientific career. It is my personal interpretation that Norman Hackerman did not need the services of any facilitators or mediators to speak to God. Norman Hackerman spoke directly to God.

Jan Fulkerson

April 6, 2009

I was saddened to read in the Houston Chronicle about Dr. Hackermans passing. I worked with Dr. Hackerman on the Conrad and Marcel Schlumberger Scholarship. He had been part of the Scholarship Committee Panel since the late 1950's. In fact, Dr. Hackerman was part of this year's selection that was held this past April in Austin. I will miss working with Dr. Hackerman next spring when the scholarship committee meets for next years selection. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Bette Boyd John

April 6, 2009

Pat, I am sorry I will not be able to be there for the service. I hope you will be in Austin again soon. Bette and Mike John

P.E. (Ted) Hudson

April 6, 2009

Sent with sympathy.

Ann Blankinship

April 6, 2009

As a sophomore zoology major at the University of Texas at Austin in the spring of 1968, I enrolled in a second semester chemistry course. Because I was new to UT, it took me a week or so to realize that the professor, Norman Hackerman, was also the president of the university! I was then and always have been impressed that as president he also taught sophomore chemistry. I remember him as one of the best professors I ever had. His ability to make the subject fascinating sparked my life-long interest in chemistry. Many years later in Houston, I had the opportunity to thank him in person for his excellent teaching. I often find myself applying what I learned in that course in my career today as a technical writer. I extend my condolences to his family.

Bill Richey

April 6, 2009

I was a student at UT in the late 1960s, a very turbulent time, and I remember clearly that Dr. Hackerman always treated students with respect, even when we disagreed. I admired the fact that even as president, he taught a morning section of CHEM 101 each semester. With respect and gratitude, Bill Richey

Marie Stritzel

April 6, 2009

I am sorry to hear the news. I never met Mr. Hackerman, but recognize the name from his involvement with Schlumberger Scholarship awards. Marie Stritzel Schlumberger Oilfield Services

Loretta Mauldin Boggan

July 27, 2007

I was a student at Rice in the late 70's and I always had a deep fondness for Dr. and Mrs. Hackerman. Dr. Hackerman would pop into my freshman chemistry lab from time to time and give me helpful suggestions to turn my potions the right color. He was always so friendly and quick to make a joke. He and his wife invited me to their pre-football luncheons from time to time where Mrs. Hackerman would show what a gracious and welcoming hostess she was. The Rice and UT communities were blessed to have them. Pat, I worked with you in Houston at Gilpin - my condolences to you and the rest of your family.

Ann & Al Brieger

June 28, 2007

We had known of your father for many years through our dear friends Jim and Dorothy Colvin, who were also friends of your parents, and associates at the University of Texas. We had a small Bridge group (two couples from Austin, including the Colvins, one couple from Wimberley and us from San Marcos) and have been meeting in each others homes every few months for over forty years. It eventually became just a supper club. It was not until 2002 (after your mother and Jim passed away) that we met. It was later that year when our group got together, and Dorothy brought her good friend Norm and he became a member of our group. The last time we met was here in our home in January and we had a great time together. What a tremendous individual - we feel priviledged to have gotten to know your father and he will be missed.

Susan Culcasi

June 23, 2007

Wow!What a wonderful, remarkable man Dr. Hackerman was. His family should be so proud of his legacy. To his daughter Pat Berry-my friend and mentor,my deepest condolences are with you and your family.

Shelton Clark

June 22, 2007

Dr. Hackerman was a truly great man, greater than any of us could comprehend because none of us could fully see all aspects of his accomplishments. He was an outstanding scientist and administrator, but he was foremost a teacher in many ways that transended the classroom. In this role he influenced so many people. Despite his many impressive achiements and awards, he kept his world in perspective. He always made time in a busy schedule for his students and colleagues. For me, his accessibilty and teaching continued long afetr my student days and until the end. Dr. Hackerman had the highest integrity and ethical standards, which with his intelligence provided an unmatched obectivity and knowledge. I was his last Ph.D. student at Austin but spent part of my time at his Houston last and, as a result, shared in a very small way his experiences at both UT and Rice. He was my mentor, friend, and inspiration. I will miss him.

Dave Terdy

June 22, 2007

Pat sincerest condolences, losing a parent is always difficult. My hope is that all your memories are good ones and may you someday tell the story that goes with those memories. The story is meant to be told! Sincerely Dave T

Amy Cheng Vollmer

June 22, 2007

Dr. Hackerman was Rice's president when I entered as a freshman. My dad, who accompanied me to Rice was able to meet with Dr. Hackerman, who served on his PhD committee at UTAustin a generation before me. On behalf of my father, C. C. Cheng, I offer my most sincere condolences to the entire Hackerman family.

Wylie Barnett

June 21, 2007

To Pat Berry and her family, please receive my deepest condolences on the passing of your father. I was very moved when I read of his many meaningful accomplishments and know that he truly made a difference in the lives of so many over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lisa Pietro

June 21, 2007

Dr. Hackerman's daughter, Pat Berry, is my mentor, and though I never had the pleasure of meeting him, it is clear from reading the wonderful entries and his moving obituary that he has left behind a lasting legacy and a family who love him. We should all be so fortunate. My prayers to his family and friends.

Lori Keys Curtis

June 21, 2007

My deepest sympathy goes out to Pat and her family. Your father sounds like he lead a remarkable life, and was highly respected. Be Proud! I am very sorry for your loss.

Susan Schiffman

June 21, 2007

The intelligence, dedication to service to others and state of grace that so infused the life of Norman Hackerman live on in Pat Berry. She carries the best of her father with her and his light shines through her. May peace come to you all in this time of grief.
Blessings,
Pat’s friend,

Stephanie Cardenas

June 21, 2007

I had the great pleasure to work as Dr. Hackerman's assistant at UT for the past year. He fascinated me with his energy and most of all, his knowledge. What an amazing man! I was proud to work with a man who has influenced so many. Dr. Hackerman will be missed! God bless.

June 21, 2007

Dr. Hackerman sounds like a truly amazing man who made a positive impact on all who knew him. My heartfelt condolences to Pat Berry and all the family. May His presence be a comfort to you and bring you peace.

Deborah Romoleroux, Keller Williams Realty, Carmel, CA

John Attwell

June 20, 2007

I had dinner with Dr. Hackerman only a month ago in San Francisco with my parents Mary and Evans Attwell. As always, I learned something new just by listening to Dr. Hackerman speak. What a fine man. My best to Katy and all.

Patty Ross

June 20, 2007

It's easy to see where Pat gets her remarkable abilities. My sincere condolences to her and the family.
Love,
Patty Ross
Keller Williams

Grace Gardiner Baker

June 20, 2007

The name and larger-than-life memory of Norman Hackerman has been with me my entire life - my Grandfather William Cecil Gardiner, Chemist and former President of the American Electrochemical Society knew Dr. Hackerman and when his son, my Dad, obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Harvard, it was due to this connection that my Dad was one of those 'lured" to Texas and UT in 1959 by Dr. Hackerman. His memory remains large to our family, and we extend our sympathies to his.

Harriette Schofield

June 20, 2007

I am part of the Keller Williams family where Pat Berry is so cherished. I can see how she comes by her talents. Her father sounds like such an incredible person. Love and warmest wishes to Pat and her family. Harriette Schofield

Fran Hirsh

June 20, 2007

Dear Pat, I am so sorry for your loss. He sounded like an incredible man. Your KW family shares your sorrow, and we're saving hugs for when you return.

Robert Ayers

June 20, 2007

I first met Dr. Hackerman when I was an undergraduate chemical engineering student at UT in 1956. I was enrolled in a physical chemistry course and he was my professor. His personal charisma and stimulating lectures inspired me to go to graduate school in physical chemistry. I wanted to be one of his students. He was Chairman of the Chemistry Department at that time. Even with all his administrative and teaching responsibilities, he still had time for his dozen or so graduate students. He was very successful at securing scholarships and research grants for us, but he also wanted us to experience a few semesters teaching the laboratory sections for Freshman Chemistry and Physical Chemistry. He was such an amazing person. I especially remember his genius, his vitality, his eloquence, his wit and his unparalleled efficiency. I feel very fortunate to have known him and am extremely proud that I received my Ph. D. under his leadership.

Marilyn Nergord

June 20, 2007

I am a friend and colleague of Pat Berry at Keller Williams Realty in Carmel, Cal.
I am sorry that I was never able to meet this remarkable man, but I’ve heard many wonderful stories about him and about his life. He will surely be missed by so many.
My best wishes to all of his family and friends.

Nancy Sanders

June 20, 2007

To Pat Berry and family
I work with Pat at Keller Williams Realty in Carmel, CA. Pat, all of us here want to express our sympathies to you and your family in your time of loss. We look forward to seeing you on your return. In the meantime if there is anything I can do to assist you with business matters while you are away, just give me a call at 831-596-5492.
Lots of love,
Nancy Sanders

Benny Jay

June 20, 2007

I first met Dr. Norman Hackerman in April 1984. He was Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee of the Tracor, Inc., Board of Directors. In my role as Corporate Vice Preident of Planning and Special Projects, I worked closely with Norm and his committee members, Sam K. Smith and Admiral Bobby Ray Inman, to evaluate new technology opportunities. His immediate grasp of the fundamental constituents of every project we reviewed was amazing. Not only did he understand the project underlying science, he understood what, if anything, was currently being done around the world to advance that science. When a project was launched, Norm never waivered in his commitment to its success. It was his habit to periodically review all publications for relevant information and see that I received it. Long after some of these projects were launched, Norm's interest continued unabated. Our occasional luncheons at the Hyde Park Grill (where he always ordered the same beef-burger) provided the venue for project updates and discussion of relevant technical progress by others. It has been my great privilege to have been closely associated with and mentored by Dr. Hackerman for the past twenty three years. The impact of his life on mine and everyone fortunate enough to work with him is immeasurable. His passing leaves an enormous void in our lives and work. His legacy motivates us to work tirelessly to fill it.

Tom and Jerrianne Richter

June 20, 2007

To Sally Myers Family, You were blessed to have had such a remarkable father. It was obvious that he was a special friend to many , many others. I know that you will truly miss him. Tom and Jerrianne Richter

David Jones

June 19, 2007

We have lost one of the great men of our time. I was one of Dr. Hackerman's students in the mid-60's, and felt very fortunate then and now. He had many challenges in those days, but always had the time to guide me through the many problems I encountered in my research. I often had to get to these meetings by winding my way through a large group of protesters sitting outside his office.
I will always remember his quick wit, his dedication to science, his sense of humor, and his genius.
My deepest sympathy to all his family.

Alan Harbert

June 19, 2007

Dr. Hackerman became president of Rice University during my freshman year in 1970. He led the university with wisdom and restraint during those turbulent years of anti-war protests and campus unrest. He was a great man and will be dearly missed by those who knew him.

Jan Bennett Steger

June 19, 2007

I first met Dr. Hackerman in the 1950s while visiting Pat on Sharon Lane. Pat & I grew to be very close, and we still are. I've driven half-way across country with the Hackermans twice - once in 1959 to Colorado and in 1961 right before we went through Rush prior to entering UT, the Hackermans took Pat, Janet Stern and me to Wash DC and NYC. On this trip we learned that Dr. H. Had been selected as UT's Provost...he is truly a legend in his own time, and a humble man who was destined for greatness - those of us who knew him as Pat's father, saw him more of a family man, but I have grown to appreciate his tremendous contribution to higher education by being in it myself for the past 34 years. I am proud to say that I knew this educator of giant proportions. My love and condolences to the family.

Joan White

June 19, 2007

Steve, and Mary, and family, my condolences in the loss of your father, and my sympathy to all of your kin. What a remarkable legacy Dr. Hackerman leaves. I feel grateful for all of his hard work, and that on behalf of The University of Texas in particular. Joan, B.A., 1969.

Shirley Hull Dyess

June 19, 2007

From 1995 until 2006 I was fortunate enough to work as Dr. Hackerman's secretary at UT. He was my reward for putting up with some bad bosses I had earlier in my career. Norman Hackerman was brilliant; he was business; he was heart; and he was fun. Everyday he taught me something new. I thank God for putting me on a path with him for those eleven years.

Zane Miller

June 19, 2007

Dr. Norman Hackerman was exceptionally brilliant in the academic world. His working life as President of The University of Texas and Rice is why these universities are so highly regarded today. Norman set the course and guided these great institutions to the
worldwide leadership levels.

He will be remembered forever as a great man among all of mankind in education and science. Cheers for Norman Hackerman.

Zane Gary Miller, BBA, U T 1959
and Board Member of The Institute of International Education .

Carla Atmar

June 19, 2007

I worked with Dr. Hackerman for over 20 years at The Welch Foundation and treasure every moment. There was never any guessing as to where he stood on an issue because he would tell you whether you wanted to know or not. He could be a force to contend with but had a gentle heart and soul. He will be profoundly missed.

Mary Colvin Klein

June 18, 2007

I have known Dr. Norman Hackerman for 44 years but I didnt *really* know him until February 2002, the year my father passed away. Suddenly my Father's good friend and the man that so intimidated me in that freshman chemistry class became by dear friend and motivator. He managed to take over where my father left off providing the love and understanding that only a father knows how to do. He never held it against me for dropping out of that chemistry class before a substandard grade could be a part of my permanent scholastic record. He seemed to understand that I didn't want to take the chance of embarassing my Dad with my lack of scholastic abilities. He was always there to pick me up and return me to the airport on my many trips to Austin to visit my Mom...he seemed to enjoy the ride with someone who shared his dislike for the slow and unfocused drivers on the road. He also seemed to know every shortcut in the city and created many of his own by using sidewalks, parking lots or hiking trails. Without his partnership with my Mom I would not have had the security of knowing that someone besides myself or my Sister was going to check on her everyday. He never missed calling her at 8a.m. sharp and whenever he wasn't out of town he was there to share the evening working crossword puzzles with her arriving at 6p.m.(no earlier and no later) and leaving promptly at 9:00. He included her in all of his Family celebrations and dinners as well as his UT functions and treated me as if we had shared a lifetime together. I will never forget his determination to live life to the fullest or his impatience with those who don't. I have used him as an example of living a long and healthy life in my fitness classes for the last 5 years. His logic, fairness and kindness have made me a better and more understanding person. I have always said that he or my Dad should have been President of our country...there has been no one that was more qualified than they were. My Mother and I will miss him more than I can express and I so hope that we will one day meet again.
Rest in peace my dear Norm.

David DeBerry

June 18, 2007

Dr. Hackerman was President of UT while I was a chemistry undergrad, and then I was his first Ph.D. graduate at Rice. Once during the seemingly dark hours of my research toil and confusion, he told me that I would one day remember it as being amongst the happiest times of my life. He was right then, as he was about so many things. I will deeply miss this dear man, mentor, and friend.

Kim Colvin Bohonsky

June 18, 2007

AMAZING MAN! I have many childhood memories of being in his home playing with Katy. I am very thankful for the support he gave my mom for the last few years. He will be missed.

Kathy Behrens

June 18, 2007

I knew Dr Hackerman both as a student (while at Rice) and through my work with his wife at their home on the Rice campus. I don't think anyone could run that place the way he did - he had the perfect sense of balance for the greatness and inanity that can permeate a college campus. I always felt badly about wrecking his beloved Volkswagon but I guess he's forgiven me by now!
Kathy Behrens, '80

June 18, 2007

An amazing person. Taught me physical chemistry in 1960 at UT.
Ronald W. Deskin, MD

Harvey Tilkin

June 18, 2007

My cousin Norman was of great pride to his family and we will miss him dearly

Don Carlton

June 18, 2007

Dr. Hackerman hired me as a TA in 1958 and was a major force in my life from that time forward. I have lost a mentor, advisor and a very good friend. He is truly "the most unforgettable person I ever met".

Peggy Mayfield Wilson

June 18, 2007

Dr. Norman Hackerman's strong, clear lessons in chemistry and his sensible advice and living example about proper professional conduct made my life far better than it might have been. I am grateful for his friendship of 62 years.

Bryce JORDAN

June 18, 2007

Norm was a man of great integrity and intellect, a friend, colleague and mentor. More than most, he understood what a great university should be. Probably few know he was personally and directly responsible for the creation of the nationally ranked Shepherd School of Music at Rice

Sherry Lee

June 18, 2007

As a drama major, I was lucky enough to have Dr. Hackerman as a professor in a chemistry course for non-science majors. It was one of the mega classes that UT is famous for, but Dr. Hackerman was a presence to be reckoned with. I still remember, 40 years later some of the things I learned in that class and of course the B he gave me on my paper on the Bermuda Triangle. Most of all I remember the day in class when his mike would not work and in calm frustration from clear across the stage he yanked the whole thing out of the wall to the total delight of all. What a guy!

Lee Cooke

June 18, 2007

Norm Hacherman was a giant in the Austin community and worldwide. What he did for education at every level and for our country will never be fully known by people. I learned of his breath of intellect, close up, when he graciously served on the board of directors my bio-medical company in the 1990's and provided astute and candid chemical and business advice. His thoughtfulness and depth of knowledge in many subject areas, beyond chemistry, was breathtaking. My last visit with Norm was in November. Like times in previous years, I picked him up standing outside his chemistry office on the UT campus and we had a long lunch at the Headliners Club. He reminded me of a man much younger than his years. We had a discussion about the war in Iraq, the future of the west, the Al Qaeda future plans in the world, as well as, his kids and their families. What a lunch!! Being able to call Norm and confer will be a deep loss to me, but more important, the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University and our country lost one of the rare intellectuals who could and did relate to everyone. His calm demeanor, friendly ways and ability to rifle shoot into a problem with great care is his gift to be remembered. I was blessed to have him as a mentor and friend and Heather and I extend to his family our heartfelt sympathy. God speed Norm.

Dixon Wall Coulbourn

June 18, 2007

Gene
Allison Coulbourn Hackerman, my 15th cousin, was the wife of Norman Hackerman.
A teacher friend of my wife, Anita Howard, helped her publish her Autobiography,
The Time has Come. Anita gave Gail and me a copy of the book. I found
several more at a book store and sent them to kinfolk.
I wish we had gotten
to know her. She lived on Sharon Lane in Tarrytown, not far from our home,
but we didn’t know it until it was too late to talk to her.
If anyone
is interested in Gene’s Coulbourn ancestry, I can be reached at [email protected]

Clay McGuffey

June 18, 2007

Dr. Hackerman was my freshman chemistry professor at UT in the fall of 1965. The confidence he demonstrated in his abilities to teach confirmed learning as a natural experience. I am proud to have known a man whose judgment I could always admire and respect.

Floyd Brandt

June 18, 2007

Through a good portion of my teaching career at UT, Norm Hackerman was the president. After my retirement he moved next door to me and then a little later moved to Westminster Manor about two years after we did.
I have great respect for him as a scholar and teacher, and even more respect for his ability to provide steady, sensible leadership for organizations.

Paul Stoufflet

June 18, 2007

I left Rice the same year "The Hack" did, and I always treasure the individually signed, not stamped, diploma that hangs in my office now.

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