Irene Howard and Keung Luke

Dr. Keung Luke, Professor Emeritus of the Physics, taught at CSULB from 1966-1998 (FERP 1998-2003). One of the things he values most about his time at the university is the ability to be a teacher-scholar. This allowed him to teach large general education classes like Astronomy 100, making it possible for him to interact with thousands of students over the course of his career. It also gave him the opportunity to integrate new technology and develop new curriculum. He views the development a new senior/ graduate course, “Interfacing in Experimental Physics” as one of his top accomplishments. In his own words, Dr. Luke says: “I speak the truth and lie not, it is both a joy and an honor to give back to CSULB, my beloved professional home for thirty-two years.”

Irene Howard is diligent, intelligent, responsible, and loyal, and, topping the list, has deep love and respect for people. Regardless of who you are, whether you were a faculty member, a regular or part-time staff or faculty, a Teaching or Graduate Assistant, student assistant, undergraduate or graduate student, or a majors or non-major in the college, she would always greet you and help with anything you needed. If you had a birthday, Irene would do something special – flowers, birthday cakes, or even a nice gift. Months and years later, it is not surprising that she was often invited by these people to lunches and weddings. She made the Physics Office warm and inviting and our majors loved to drop by for a visit. She often stayed at her desk well after 5 pm and even after work, she ran errands for the department without claiming reimbursements.

Dr. Luke established this scholarship in her honor as he deeply appreciates her and wants to share with everyone all of his admiration for her selfless attitude and actions in serving the Department of Physics and Astronomy for nearly 40 years.

The College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics expresses gratitude to all scholarship donors who continue to enhance the quality of education students experience at CNSM.