Esamann Supports Future Scientists

The United States lags behind many other industrial nations in the percentage of its current college graduates earning degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics — the so-called STEM fields — raising concerns about this country’s economic competitiveness.

As one man’s effort to change that situation, Eli Lilly chemist and 1950 Butler graduate James D. Esamann left an estate gift of $1 million to Butler, establishing two scholarship funds — one for students majoring in mathematics, the other for science majors.

Studying chemistry at Butler immediately after World War II, Esamann realized that the war effort had driven commercial demands for U.S. advancements in chemistry and physical sciences. He saw how, once wartime shortages of manpower and materials ended in the United States, many investments were made to support science majors at Butler and other universities.

Before his death in March 2008, Esamann decided to offer similar support for today’s students, said Butler’s Vice President for Advancement D. Mark Helmus. “From his work, his world travels and his continuing self-education, Mr. Esamann understood the increasing globalization of society and technology,” Helmus said. “He knew that individuals skilled in math and science will help lead 21st century research and economic development, so he established scholarships to encourage students in those disciplines.”

James Esamann also left his personal mark on Butler’s Vivian S. Delbrook Writer’s Series. Now in its 20th year, the Visiting Writers Series presents public conversations with leading contemporary writers of prose and poetry. Esamann was an enthusiastic attendee at many Delbrook lectures and offered his own critiques of books and authors to be considered for the series

In retirement, he traveled widely in Europe and Asia.