Inventory to the Percy Lavon Julian Family Papers

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Percy Lavon Julian Family Papers
Series III: Folder 7
Julian Memorial Lecture, John Brooks Slaughter
April 11, 1983

     John Brooks Slaughter - distinguished scientist, administrator par excellence, dedicated humanitarian - exemplifies the great liberal arts tradition of Percy L. Julian, whose life and achievements we honor tonight on the anniversary of his 84th birth date.

     Dr. Slaughter was born in Topeka, Kansas, and spent his formative years in that state. He began his collegiate training at Washburn University in Topeka as a Whiting Scholar and completed his baccalaureate in electrical engineering at Kansas State University in 1956. Upon graduation he accepted a position with General Dynamics Astronautics as an electrical engineer.

     In 1960 he began a fifteen-year association with the Naval Electronics Laboratory Center (San Diego) as Physical Science Administrator and Head, Information Systems Technology Department. During these years he also completed and M.S. in Engineering at the University of California (Los Angeles) and the Ph.D. in Engineering Physics at the University of California (San Diego).

     Although Dr. Slaughter began his career as an industrial engineer and computer specialist, he has always been a part of the academic community. From 1961 on he held various appointments as an instructor in engineering. In 1975 he joined the Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington as Director and Professor of Electrical Engineering. In 1977 he was appointed Assistant Director for Astronomical, Atmospheric, Earth and Ocean Sciences at the National Science Foundation.

     Since his appointment to the National Science Foundation he has been engaged in scientific and educational administration, becoming Academic Vice President and Provost at Washington State University in 1979. He returned to the National Science Foundation during the years 1980-1982 to assume the prestigious position of Director. In January, 1983, Dr. Slaughter was named Chancellor, University of Maryland, College Park Campus.

     His research specialties are in the fields of electrical engineering and computer systems. His accomplishments in these fields have brought him high recognition. He is a Fellow in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He holds membership in the National Academy of Engineering, was selected U.C.L.A. Engineering Alumnus of the Year (1978), received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Science Foundation (1979), and was recognized for Distinguished Service in Engineering by Kansas State University (1981). He holds honorary degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the University of Southern California, Tuskegee Institute, the University of Maryland, and the University of Notre Dame.

     Since his undergraduate days Dr. Slaughter has been active in humanitarian affairs. As chapter president of Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., (San Diego) from 1957 to 1959 he participated in cultural , social, and educational activities directed toward the enhancement of the black community in Dan Diego. While president of the undergraduate group of this fraternity in Topeka, Kansas, he initiated a program for his college chapter of visiting and entertaining children hospitalized with polio. As president of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Urban League he was concerned with providing equal opportunities in education, employment, housing, and social services. He has also initiated programs of scientist/student seminars at high schools with large minority enrollments which have been very successful.

     This gifted man of many talents, while deeply involved in professional commitments, has always given of himself to enhance and enrich the greater community. DePauw University is honored to welcome Dr. Slaughter to the campus of Percy L. Julian.