Our Crowdfunding Groups
As part of the celebration of placing Clendenin, WV on the National Chemical Historical Landmarks we are working to develop a scholarship to honor the scientist who was chiefly responsible for the work. The Dr. George Curme Jr. Scholarship will be given to students who want to change their lives through the power of a STEM Education. These students will need to be West Virginia residents who give back to their community. The students receiving this scholarship will need support to finish their degree as they have chosen to volunteer in community outreach and service work. This scholarship will allow the Curme name to continue his legacy of helping the Kanawha Valley develop top STEM talent that achieve even further greatness.
Who is Dr. George Curme, Jr?
Dr. George O. Curme, Jr. (December 24, 1888 – July 28, 1976) – Dr. Curme was born in Mount Vernon, Iowa and was one of 4 people to receive the degree in chemistry from the University of Chicago, 1913 and in 1914 - hired as a Prest-O-Lite fellow. Curme was the manager and chief chemist of Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corporation and completed his doctorate in chemistry at the University of Chicago. Dr. Curme was responsible for developing practical methods for the synthesis of ethylene glycol, ethylene chlorohydrin, ethylene dichloride, ethylene oxide, and many other compounds. He also successfully brought these products into commercial production, and aided in developing new markets. Dr. Curme has been recognized as “The father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of ethylene and her numerous progeny”
