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Norman Borlaug, a plant scientist who in the 20th Century was perhaps the person most responsible for teaching the world how to feed itself died Saturday. He was 95 and lived in Dallas. NYTimes Obit Borlaug was often called the father of the Green Revolution. He was one of only five people to have won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. He was also a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor. Borlaug had served as an Honorary Director of The American Chestnut Foundation for many years. He wrote an essay included in Mighty Giants - An American Chestnut Anthology that talks to his fascination and support of what TACF was doing with breeding a blight resistant American chestnut. The American Chestnut Foundation honors his contributions and will miss his presence and counsel. |
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Something TACF can be proud of, and should remember, is that Dr Borlaug was the first keynote speaker at the very first Annual Meeting for TACF. He came not only because of his support for the Foundation, but because of his enduring respect and affection for Charles Burnham- who was, incidentally, his very first plant breeding teacher. Charles asked if he would be willing to loan us his name - something he did not do lightly, of course- and his answer was quick; "Yes; I can do that."Borlaug squeezed our talk in between two other international meetings; he sort of ran in one door, and out the other - but he gave a great speech; and the importance of the weight he lent to TACF directions and projects was extremely important to our success.
# Posted By Philip Rutter
| 9/14/09 5:11 PM
Much anecdotal information has surfaced regarding Dr. Borlaug's life and the impact he had on others. I received this note and present it in the form of a quote from Dr. Mark Hussey, Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences at TAMU where Dr. Borlaug resided in recent years. "The passing of Dr. Borlaug brings immense sadness. Dr. Borlaug was a kind, courageous and brilliant scientist whose work had a significant impact on humankind…he is irreplaceable. His life is a shining example of the difference one person can make in the world, especially for millions of hungry people who often have few other advocates."
" ... His genuine interest in people drew other professors and students to him and it was through that trait that he taught so much to so many." - Dr. Mark Hussey
# Posted By Bill Adamsen
| 9/15/09 10:11 AM
