Kennedy and Kelley Receive Top Rubber Division Awards

Akron, Ohio, April 28, 2008 – Two University of Akron educators are receiving awards at the 173rd Technical Meeting of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society April 28-30 in Dearborn, Mich.

Dr. Joseph Kennedy, distinguished professor of polymer science and chemistry, will give a keynote speech after accepting the Charles Goodyear Medal, the Rubber Division's highest honor for those whose inventions or innovations have resulted in a significant change to the rubber industry.

Dr. Frank Kelley, dean emeritus of UA's College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, will receive the George Stafford Whitby Award, given for distinguished teaching and research. Kennedy won the Whitby award in 1996.

“Joe and Frank exemplify the quality of research, instruction and expertise at The University of Akron,” says Stephen Cheng, dean of the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. “They are men of honor and integrity; their dedication and commitment to their profession have given our college its wonderful reputation in the field of science. Their awards are well deserved.”

Kennedy has worked in the polymer and rubber industries for more than 50 years, joining UA in 1970, where he was integral in the formation of the nationally ranked College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.

His inventions have resulted in 96 U.S. patents, including a recent patent for an U.S. FDA-approved polymer coating used in more than 1 million Boston Scientific drug-eluting stents that help patients heal after heart surgery.

He has written three books and more than 700 papers for top science journals, taught 140 industry leaders and professors and chaired the 35th Symposium of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

UA graduate Kelley served as chief scientist for the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base and the Air Force Materials Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base before returning to his alma mater in 1978.

He was director of the Institute of Polymer Science before being appointed dean when the college was formed in 1988. He has received the “Rubber Age” Award, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Outstanding Technical Contribution Award, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Civilian Meritorious Service Medal (in 1967 and 1978), and the Exceptional Civilian Service Award from the Secretary of the Air Force.

Kelley is an active researcher, teacher and consultant. His publications have focused on the relationship of molecular structure to mechanical properties of polymeric materials.

The Rubber Division is a national organization with offices on UA's campus.

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