Wooster mourns passing of Charles LaMonte Borders Jr., emeritus professor of chemistry
Charles LaMonte “Montie” Borders Jr., professor emeritus of chemistry at The College of Wooster, passed away on Aug. 20, 2024, at the age of 82 in Cameron Park, California. His career in the department of chemistry began in 1968 and spanned 34 years until his retirement in 2002.
In addition to his roots in the chemistry department, Borders led the development of the biochemistry and molecular biology program at the College. In 1994, the department began as a biochemistry major. When he recognized the scholarly links between the disciplines of biochemistry and molecular biology, Borders, in collaboration with faculty in biology, redesigned a new program to encompass both subjects: biochemistry and molecular biology, which was offered to students for the first time in the fall of 2002. Borders also took part in securing funds for the renovation of Severance Hall, completed in 1999, drafting the $1.1 million grant proposal to the National Science Foundation.
In a Wooster magazine article marking his retirement, his fellow professors highlighted his devotion to his students. When discussing Borders’ work in crafting the biochemistry and molecular biology program, retired professor William Morgan, said, “This focus on students, while not as visible as a new program, is Montie’s true legacy.” Others made similar observations, “Montie really cares about the student as a whole individual,” said Mark Snider, Robert E. Wilson professor of chemistry and biochemistry & molecular biology at the time, adding, “Montie encouraged the students to not only find focus but also to find enthusiasm for everything they do.”
The magazine also mentions Borders’ tradition of inviting his biochemistry students to his Holmes County residence to enjoy a hearty meal and the tranquility of the home’s woodland location, as well as opening most mentoring sessions with seniors working on their Independent Study theses, not with discussions of chemistry but candid conversations regarding students’ well-being and aspirations.
Borders graduated from Bellarmine College (now University) in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and received a Ph.D. in biochemistry from The California Institute of Technology in 1968. His family encourages those interested in making a gift in honor of Borders to use the College website or to do so by mail. For a gift mailed to the College, donors should make their checks out to “The College of Wooster” and denote the designation of Summer Research Endowment or General Endowed Scholarship in memory of Charles Borders in the memo field of the check. Those who wish to make a gift online should visit wooster.edu/give/Wooster-priorities. On this page, donors may designate the gift for the fund of their choice by typing the name of the fund in the designation box. There is also a place to note that the gift is in memory of Professor Charles Borders. Read more about Borders’ life and family in his obituary available here.
Posted in News on September 19, 2024.
