Edmund Optics endows scholarship at Arizona College of Optical Sciences

Norman Edmund

Robert Edmund

Marisa Edmund

Edmund Optics CEO Robert Edmund has established a scholarship in optical sciences at the University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences, honoring the "passion for discovery and learning" demonstrated by his father, company founder Norman Edmund, who died in January 2012.

"My father's life's work was fueled by a passion for discovery and learning made possible through the use of optical instruments," said Robert Edmund. "It is only appropriate that a scholarship in his name be made available to those who also delight in the rewards of exploration."

This permanent endowment will support undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers in optics. This scholarship is in addition to the company's own Norman Edmund Inspiration Award which will be awarded on 9 October to an outstanding STEM program that best embodies the legacy of Edmund Optics' founder.

"I feel a deep sense of pride when hearing stories of childhood memories linked to Edmund Scientific. Now, each time the Norman W. Edmund Merit Scholarship is awarded, my father's legacy will again be celebrated in a very tangible way in the field of optics," Robert said.

"The Norman W. Edmund Merit Scholarship accelerates the mission of the College of Optical Sciences -- and the University of Arizona -- by advancing the educational opportunities of our students," said Thomas L. Koch, dean of the College of Optical Sciences. "While the quality of our academic and research programs is the key factor in recruiting talented students, the availability of scholarships helps secure their enrollment."

Seventy years ago, Norman Edmund founded a mail-order company providing optical devices called Edmund Salvage Company, which later became known as Edmund Scientific. Within a decade, Norman's small optical surplus company became famous as the go-to source for telescopes, microscopes, science toys and gadgets of every description. Today, the company, now called Edmund Optics, is regarded as a leading producer of optics, coatings, imaging systems and photonics supporting the worldwide technical community.

Edmund Optics, an SPIE Corporate Member, also continues its long history of support to optics education through programs such as its 2013 Higher Education Grant Program. Robert Edmund is an SPIE Senior Member, and Vice President of Marketing and Communications Marisa Edmund serves on the SPIE Board of Directors.