A living legend turns 100

There was no Neckers as most people know it today, a four-story brick building that houses SIUC’s science departments. But in 1928, the man for whom the building would eventually be named first set foot on the small teacher’s college that would grow to become a major University before he left.

James Neckers celebrated his 100th birthday Tuesday in Carbondale, a long way from New York, where he was born in 1902. The route he took to get here included stops at Hope College in Holland, Mich., and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he received his doctorate in chemistry. When his journey concluded, he was in Carbondale and became one of the first teachers with a doctoral degree at SIUC.

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When Neckers arrived in the small town of Carbondale, the University served a meager 2,000 students. That was in 1928, 20 years before another giant in the University’s history, Delyte Morris, took over the helm. When Neckers retired 40 years later, the University had increased enrollment to more than 20,000 students.

A lasting tribute was paid to this giant after his retirement. The $6 million Physical Science building was renamed after its completion in 1970 for the person who was the most influential in developing the chemistry program the building would house.

During his tenure at SIUC, Neckers witnessed many improvements, including the accreditation of the chemistry program in masters and doctoral degrees. Gerard Smith, chairman of chemistry and biochemistry, said Neckers is still a figure who is looked up to and revered in the science program.

In the study lounge [in Neckers] we have a picture of the four horsemen those guys sent students to places such as Harvard and Cal Tech, Smith said.

The four horseman were all chemistry professors who helped turn SIUC’s program into a renowned center of learning and higher education. The quartet included Neckers, Kenneth VanLente, Talbert Abbott and Robert Scott.

Neckers not only played a role in the development of SIUC’s chemistry program, but also a state-wide retirement plan for those in higher education.

Because of everything he accomplished, I would say his accomplishments are quite astounding, Smith said.

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While compliments paid by fellow faculty are nice, a professor’s real reward comes from the accomplishment of students. Ed Burger, director of the Alumni Association, said the first thing that comes to his mind was Neckers’ dedication to teaching. Burger was a student of Neckers and remembered the unique touch he had with students.

He never lost touch of being an educator, Burger said. That is one of the strengths of this University.

He said alumni still call to see how Neckers is doing, 30 years after his retirement.

He has probably touched more lives than just about anyone at this college, Burger said.

Reporter Mark Lambird can be reached at [email protected]