Distinguished Alumnus Award
Honors excellence in vocation.

2000 Recipient
Dr. Ray H. Crist

For your faithful service to God through your work as a nationally renowned scientist, scholar, and professor, the Messiah College Alumni Association is pleased to honor you, Dr. Ray H. Crist, with the 2000 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

You began your career teaching chemistry at prestigious Columbia University. From 1941-1945, you were among a select group of scientists recruited by the U.S. Government to work on the Manhattan Project. Your department was crucial in developing the new technology of separating uranium isotopes. After World War II, you worked as a researcher for Union Carbide Corporation, where you contributed significantly to the emerging technologies of "The Plastic Revolution."

Eventually, your roots in Grantham drew you back "home" to the midstate region, and in retirement, you currently reside in nearby Carlisle. But "retirement" is hardly an appropriate word. For the past 29 years you have been a vital part of the Messiah College faculty as a visiting professor. Pioneering a culture of environmental research, you have inspired many students to pursue research careers, and continue active involvement with scholarship and research in partnership with Messiah students and faculty. Your current work is laying the groundwork for future developments in bioremediation -- the process of purifying toxic metals from contaminated water using biological materials. All of this you've done humbly and cheerfully, asking only for a token annual salary of just $1.

Dr. Crist, you've recently celebrated your 100th birthday, and we rejoice with you at all that God has done through your life and work. From your early days at Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home, through your current role as professor and researcher, you have used your gifts to help others better understand the world He has created. We see you as a great example to all Messiah alumni, and are honored to present to you, Dr. Ray H. Crist, this 2000 Distinguished Alumnus Award.