Listening to Associate Professor Fran Blase talk about organic chemistry, it's hard not to share her enthusiasm for the subject.“It's a fascinating science,” she says.“It permeates every aspect of life, from coffee cups to lifesaving medicines.” For Blase, the most exciting aspect of organic chemistry is teaching it to her many Haverford students.“It's rewarding to inspire them to share my joy and passion,” she says.

Now, Blase's talent for teaching has been recognized by the Philadelphia branch of the American Chemical Society (ACS), which has honored her with its Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award.“I was blown away by winning,” says Blase, who joined Haverford's faculty in 1991 and previously served as chair of the chemistry department. She received $1,000 from the Philadelphia ACS, which she says she will donate to charity.

In her nominating letter, Blase's colleague, Professor Karin Akerfeldt, wrote,“She provides an outstanding education to our students, holding them to the highest standards while always being there for them.” She also called Blase“a teacher of supreme talent and ability.”

Blase, who also received a Lindback Teaching Award in 1998, gives all of the credit to her students.“They're very smart, capable and talented,” she says.“They appreciate learning the intricacies and beauty of organic chemistry. They're bright and optimistic, and their minds are so agile. I've been blessed to work with them.”

Many of Blase's former students have gone on to pursue their own academic careers, including Danielle Jacobs '02, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Rider University.“As a teacher, Fran has an innate ability to motivate students by building up their self-confidence,” she says.“She believes in their capabilities, which in turn makes them believe in them as well. My main ambition in teaching will always be to instill in students the same confidence that Fran instilled in me.”

-Brenna McBride