The Department of Chemistry at Colorado State University invites friends and colleagues to join a celebration of life honoring Dr. Leslie DiVerdi, Dr. Marshall Fixman, Kathy Gibson, and Dr. Branka Ladanyi, April 6, 4-6 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Longs Peak Room. 

Leslie DiVerdi, 63, passed away Jan. 10 in Rochester, N.Y.

She joined the chemistry department at CSU in 1989 and quickly became a force in the general chemistry program. The magnitude, breadth, and quality of her impact on her colleagues, students, and advisees is beyond comparison, her colleagues say.  The gravity of her approach to her work and levity of heart combined to make her appreciated by all whose lives were touched by her.

Marshall Fixman, 85, passed away Feb. 27 in Loveland, Colo.

Fixman, a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, joined the CSU faculty in 1979 with his wife, Branka Ladanyi. Throughout his career, Fixman worked on fundamental problems in polymer physical chemistry. He continually expanded and improved physical theories and mathematical
techniques. Marshall earned many honors including ACS Pure Chemistry, ACS Award in Polymer Chemistry, APS High Polymer Prize and election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

Kathy Gibson, 62, passed away Jan. 2 in Fort Collins.

Gisbon came to the Department of Chemistry as the graduate coordinator in 2009. During her time at CSU, she created lasting relationships with faculty, staff, and students. Although she retired in 2013, she often came back to help on special projects and could be seen stopping in the halls for a quick hug and friendly hello.  She is dearly missed.

Branka Ladanyi, 68, passed away Jan. 29 in Aurora, Colo.

Colleagues called Ladanyi a person of exceptional talent and grace, a pioneer in her field and for women in academia.  She joined the CSU faculty in 1979 with her husband, Marshall Fixman. Over her career she contributed profoundly to the theory and modeling of liquids, supercritical fluids, and molecular clusters.

Branka demonstrated leadership as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Chemical Physics and in ACS and APS executive committees.  We will miss her gentle ways that led us over the years, her vast knowledge of the physics and chemistry of liquids, and her modest approach to science and life.

All are invited to celebrate these individuals’ profound impact on the department and the university. RSVP by filling out the short registration form