Distinguished Alumni Award
Raymond B. Seymour 37PhD
Raymond B. Seymourk, 37PhD, is a scientist and educator whose discoveries have not only launched products and industries, but have also brought well-deserved recognition to the study of plastics.
At his high school graduation in 1929, Seymour was named an Edison Scholar after being personally tested by the great inventor. With his own extensive list of inventions, Seymour's career now calls Edison to mind. In addition to launching several polymer industries, his innovations include household items such as Band-Aids and disposable diapers, medical developments such as plastic casts and denture materials, and industrial improvements such as plastic pipe joints.
Working in industry and academia since 1937, Seymour has earned 45 U.S. patents, written or edited over 40 books and 1,700 journal articles, taught thousands of students, and developed a variety of plastics. He has worked for well-known firms including Monsanto, Goodyear, and Johnson and Johnson; has taught at several colleges and universities; and has presented seminars or short courses at major universities on five continents.
Lauded as the world's best-known plastics scientist, Seymour continues his work as a distinguished professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has received numerous honors, including election to the International Plastics Hall of Fame in 1988 and the International Gold Medal award from the Society of Plastics Engineers. He was recognized as a Chemist Pioneer by the American Institute of Chemists and earned an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Chemists Manufacturing Association, the Society of Plastics Engineers, and the University of Houston.
Seymour and his wife Frances are members of the Alumni Association.
About Distinguished Alumni Awards
Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University.