Meet Ted A. Erikson (CHE ’52, M.S. CHEM ’59), the 2016  John J. Schommer Honor I Award recipient.

Erikson spent the first 20 years of his career as a senior chemist at IIT Research Institute (IITRI). During this time, he won a highly sought-after government contract to study ozone stabilization and also contracted with the Federal Aviation Administration to measure levels of ozone in high-altitude aircraft. In 1975 he left IITRI to be a high school science teacher in the Hammond, Indiana, public school system, where he formed lifetime bonds with his students. In 1991 he left teaching to pursue business ventures in scientific toys, jewelry, and ultimately, video production. He now swims regularly at Illinois Tech’s Ekco Pool and with the Promontory Point Open Swimmers of Hyde Park.

­ The 2016 Alumni Awards luncheon and ceremony will recognize 13 alumni and one civic leader. Help celebrate these extraordinary winners on Friday, April 29 at 11 a.m. in Hermann Hall. Registration is required, and tickets are $50 each.