We are honoured to announce the establishment of the Robert A. Heidemann Memorial Bursary in Chemical Engineering, a tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Bob Heidemann. Bob was a renowned academic and esteemed member of the engineering community, and a distinguished professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Calgary. He joined the University of Calgary in 1968 and served as the head of the department for Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from 1981-1992. Bob's contributions to the field of Thermodynamics, specifically in Fluid Properties and Phase Equilibria, were significant, and he will always be remembered for his invaluable mentorship to his students and colleagues.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob was a beloved family man and friend. Bob was raised in a family that valued education and was of little financial means. The encyclopedia his parents purchased was a big investment and he funded his undergraduate studies with scholarships and bursaries. He is fondly remembered by his wife Linda, his sons David and Douglas, his sister Betty, and countless others. Bob had a passion for the arts, music, gardening, birdwatching, and board games. His eclectic tastes and kind nature made him a true Renaissance man, and he enjoyed sharing his interests with those around him.
To honor Bob's memory, we invite friends, family, and colleagues to support this endowment. The Robert A. Heidemann Memorial Bursary in Chemical Engineering will provide an annual bursary for a student in the field of Chemical Engineering at the University of Calgary, ensuring that Bob's legacy of excellence and passion for learning continues to inspire future generations.
Thank you for honoring the memory of Dr. Bob Heidemann and for supporting the next generation of Chemical Engineers at the University of Calgary.