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Berkeley Cue remembers where he came from. Although he graduated from UMass Boston three decades ago, he still maintains his ties with the University&emdash;especially its Chemistry Department&emdash;and recently attended the University's 35th anniversary gala.
At a recent retirement party for a friend of Cue's, the honoree announced that he and his wife were establishing a scholarship. That announcement triggered his thoughts on endowing a chemistry scholarship at UMass Boston. Now his new endowment, supplemented by anticipated funds from Cue's employer and perhaps also the state, will support the academic work of chemistry and biochemistry students.
Cue was among the first students when UMass Boston opened in 1965. After graduating in 1969, the chemist earned his doctorate at the University of Alabama, joined pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc., and rose to the position of vice president of developmental research.
However, the route he took began in the old Boston Gas Building, where students had to confront interruptions from construction and people poking their heads in classrooms inquiring as to where to pay gas bills. Early on, there were no science labs. Professors relied on film strips to offer students a sense of hands-on work.
And what does Cue think of having chosen UMass Boston over other schools such as Boston University and Northeastern, which had more modern facilities?
"It was a great decision. I've never regretted it."
Cue's father read a story about plans for a public university and suggested his son look at the school. The Billerica native admits a major drawing point for him and his father was the affordable tuition, but he soon discovered a unique educational environment.
In speaking to chemistry majors last month, Cue emphasized the importance of working well in teams to being a successful scientist today. The nature and enthusiasm of UMass Boston, particularly his mentor, Professor Ernest Becker, perhaps contributed to Cue's strong sense of the importance of teamwork. "I wasn't just a student," Cue says of his relationship with Becker and his other professors. "They really did treat me as a colleague."