Robert L. Kuczkowski, Ph.D., professor of chemistry in the
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, retired from active
faculty status on May 31, 2002.

Professor Kuczkowski received his B.S. degree from
Canisius College in 1960 and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in
chemistry from Harvard University in 1962 and 1964, respectively.
After a postdoctoral appointment at the National Bureau of
Standards, Professor Kuczkowski joined the University of
Michigan faculty as an assistant professor in 1966. He was
promoted to associate professor in 1969 and professor in 1974.
Through the use of microwave spectroscopy, Professor
Kuczkowski made pioneering contributions to the understanding of
molecular structure and reactivity. He conducted systematic and
detailed investigations of chemical structure in several important
families of chemical compounds, applied the technique of
microwave spectroscopy to the study of reaction mechanisms, and
made significant contributions to the understanding of the
mechanism of ozonolysis and heterogeneously catalyzed oxidation
reactions. Professor Kuczkowski also adopted the technique of
Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy to examine weakly
bound complexes produced in supersonic molecular beams. His
efforts resulted in the elucidation of the structure of many new,
rotationally cooled complexes and advanced the understanding of
the role of weak, non-bonded interactions in the determination of
molecular structure.

Professor Kuczkowski has been an exemplary teacher and
graduate student mentor. He taught in both the graduate and
undergraduate chemistry programs, and he directed the research of
over 60 students and postdoctoral collaborators. Professor
Kuczkowski's contributions to the department and to the college
have been extensive. In addition to his participation in department,
college, and University committees, Professor Kuczkowski served
with distinction as an elected member of the executive committee
of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts from 1987-1990
and as chair of the Department of Chemistry from 1991-97.
The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by
naming Robert L. Kuczkowski, professor emeritus of chemistry.