Robert Edmund Established John P. Schaefer Graduate Student Scholarship in Optical Sciences

Jan. 30, 2024
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Edmund Schaefer

Robert Edmund, CEO (retired) of Edmund Optics, recently established the John P. Schaefer Graduate Student Scholarship in Optical Sciences. This scholarship is to recognize UA President Emeritus John Schaefer’s commitment to support optics education and to empower the next generation of optical scientists. A passion that Robert also adamantly holds.  

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edmnd and schaefer

Robert’s connection with the Wyant College of Optical Sciences includes serving on the College’s Development Board of Directors (now the OSC Strategic Advisory Board). He also directed his company's interests to invest in the College's academic and research programs with donations to the student group’s outreach programs and to the academic and research labs. He also established Edmund Optics long-standing membership with the College’s Industrial Affiliates program and sponsored the EO Undergraduate Study Center.

From 1971 to 1982, John Schaefer served as President of the University of Arizona where he also had an active 21-year career in teaching and research. As President, he was known for setting the University on the path of its current reputation as a world-leading research university. Among his accomplishments was his approval for the university to participate in the Multiple Mirror Telescope project, which revolutionized optical telescope design. John was also responsible for the approval and construction of the UA’s Main Library. 

Applications for this scholarship and others held with the College may be submitted February 5 through March 17, 2024 for the academic year 2024/2025. For further details on the application process, contact Mark Rodriguez, Manager of Academic Programs Finance & Operation.