This distinguished lecture series, established in honor of long-time NDSU professor Dr. Joel Broberg, was made possible by contributions from alumni, friends, faculty and businesses. Its purpose is really twofold. It's an opportunity to honor a distinguished colleague and teacher, and a way to bring in eminent scientists to better instill in students and faculty the excitement of science in general and chemistry in particular during this age of rapidly exploding technology.

Dr. Joel W. Broberg

Throughout his teaching career of 49 years, 34 of which were spent at NDSU, Dr. Broberg earned the respect and friendship of his nearly 25,000 students and many colleagues. In 1971 he received the Blue Key Doctor of Service Award for his outstanding services to the university and the community.

A native of Willmar, Minn., he graduated from Macalester College, St. Paul, in 1928 and received his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota. He taught at high schools in Minnesota before accepting an appointment as assistant professor of inorganic chemistry at NDSU in 1947. He served as professor of chemistry and directed the Institute of Education from 1969 to 1975. He also directed 18 National Science Foundation Summer Science Institutes for high school students. Dr. Broberg retired in 1981. He passed away in 1993.

Previous Broberg Lecturers

1986 Robert West
1987 Paul Gassman
1988 F. A. Cotton
1989 Richard N. Zare
1990 Dudley R. Herschbach (1986 Nobel Prize)
1991 Allen J. Bard
1992 R. Stephen Berry
1993 Nicholas J. Turro
1994 Joseph B. Lambert
1995 Henry Taube (1983 Nobel Prize)
1996 Fred Basolo
1997 Bassam Shakhashiri
1998 Barry M. Trost
1998 Janet G. Osteryoung
1999 Daryle H. Busch
2000 Mario J. Molina (1995 Nobel Prize)
2005 Royce W. Murray