Our Generous Donors

Roger Macomber

Dr. Roger S. Macomber has arranged to provide an unrestricted bequest of $100,000 to the department. When the department receives these generous discretionary funds, the chair will use the new resources to address the greatest needs and highest priorities, such as support for outstanding students or innovative research. Dr. Macomber received his B.S. in chemistry from UCLA and then, in 1968, became the youngest person, at age 23, to earn a chemistry Ph.D. here. (This record has since been broken.) After graduation, he spent most of his career as a professor of chemistry at the University of Cincinnati and later at Pepperdine University, and authored numerous books, monographs, and scientific articles. He stated recently, "I really owe a debt of gratitude to the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department. My education launched me into a wonderful career of 30 years as a professor, and I always remember my marvelous days at UCLA." We are grateful to Dr. Macomber for his generous support of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

Akira & Atsuko Fujimoto

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry is pleased to announce that alumna Atsuko Fujimoto and her husband, Akira Fujimoto, have created the Roberts A. Smith Graduate Student Award for the Study of Biochemistry with a generous endowment of $50,000. Dr. Fujimoto earned a Ph.D. in chemistry in the department in 1963 and then an MD from the Geffen School of Medicine in 1969. She said, "My studies at UCLA would not have been possible without the financial support I received from the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. It is my turn to help young, aspiring students." She chose to honor Professor Emeritus Smith because, she said, "his constant encouragement and assurance helped me advance toward the degree." Professor Smith has been a pioneer in the study of phosphorus-nitrogen bonds in proteins and the mechanisms of antiviral agents and methionine and folic acid metabolism in normal and malignant cells. Dr. Fujimoto currently is chief of the Genetics Division at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center. Her husband, a 1960 graduate of UCLA?s Anderson School, is president of Jastam USA Inc., an importer of electrical and electronic equipment and parts. In addition to this gift, the couple are regular supporters of the department, the Chemistry Advisory Council Fund, the Glenn T. Seaborg Medal Dinner, and the Seaborg Endowment. We thank the Fujimotos for their commitment and generosity.