Harold W. Heine, professor emeritus of chemistry and a consummate teacher-scholar, died on Monday, July 23, in Lewisburg.
After receiving his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Rutgers University, Heine served for 45 years as a member of the chemistry faculty at Bucknell, where he was a professor of organic chemistry and chairman of the department for many years.
He was internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of organic chemistry, including the discovery of what is now known as the Heine reaction. His work was published in more than 70 peer-reviewed articles and supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Petroleum Research Fund and other sources. Most of his research was carried out with undergraduate collaborators at a time when research with undergraduates was much less common than it is today. The example he set helped to stimulate the growth of undergraduate research, both at Bucknell and nationally.
At Bucknell, Heine received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching and was the University’s first Presidential Professor. At the national level, he was the recipient of the American Chemical Society Award for Research at an Undergraduate Institution and the Catalyst Award, given by the Chemical Manufacturers Association for outstanding contributions to chemical education.
Survivors include his wife; two children and their spouses; one son-in-law; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Dr. Heine was my professor in upper class organic chemistry classes. I loved the course I had with him. I loved his personality, teaching style, everything. He meant so much to me as an undergraduate. As a side-note; his nephew Jeff was in my class at Bucknell, and I liked Jeff as much as I liked his uncle. A wonderful connection that I will not forget unless I become senile.
Watching the professors of my college years pass on is shocking and sad for me. They were such an important part of my life in my Bucknell years, which are also a most important part of my life. I have thought of them often since leaving Bucknell, and remember them positively for the joy they brought to the subjects they taught. I could not have had a better college experience, and I emulate them in my teaching to this day. If only….I could teach as well as they did…..