Alum E. Gerald Meyer honored with Lifetime Impact Award

The College of Engineering celebrates E. Gerald Meyer (ChemE 1940, 1942) for his extraordinary career spanning more than six decades as one of the University of Wyoming’s most influential and respected faculty members. From pioneering research and national professional leadership to serving as UW’s first vice president for research, Gerry’s many contributions have left an enduring mark on the university and the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering.

His lifelong commitment to service, philanthropy, and community is reflected in his generosity, engagement, and energetic spirit—including competing in the Senior Olympics well past his 100th birthday. This special Lifetime Impact Award is conferred to honor the breadth and depth of Gerry’s impact across all facets of his life.

E. Gerald Meyer was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), receiving his bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1940 and his master's in chemistry in 1942. He was a laboratory chemist for the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (as a naval officer during World War II), and the Research Division of New Mexico Tech before returning to complete his graduate work, receiving his doctorate from the University of New Mexico in 1950.

Gerry was on the faculty at the University of Albuquerque and New Mexico Highlands University from 1952 to 1963, where he was Department Head and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. In 1963, Gerry was appointed Professor of Chemistry and Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Wyoming, and in 1976 he was named Vice President for Research. Gerry retired in 1990 and was named Professor Emeritus, and he continued to teach on a part-time basis.

In addition to his contributions to the University of Wyoming, Gerry served as Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce chairman and was on the Regional Airport Board and the Laramie City Council. He was State Science Adviser and president of both the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Associated Western Universities. He became the President of the Coal Technology Corporation in 1982 and was a consultant to government agencies and industrial companies for a refining process he invented and patented.

At age 100, Gerry won gold medals in the National Senior Olympics by running the 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m races.  

Gerry maintains a collection of Western art, including works from Taos artists and from the Cowboy Artist's Association, inspired by his grandmother's interest in art collecting. 

About the Award

The College of Engineering Lifetime Impact Award is a distinguished honor recognizing alumni whose extraordinary contributions span both professional and personal journeys over the course of a remarkable lifetime. The Lifetime Impact Award is conferred at the discretion of the Dean, following the unanimous recommendation of the College of Engineering Alumni Awards Review Committee.

Recipients of the Lifetime Impact Award exemplify enduring dedication, resilience, and excellence. Their sustained achievements and profound influence, whether through groundbreaking innovations, leadership, mentorship, service, advocacy, or personal pursuits, stand as powerful inspirations to current and future generations of engineers.