Paul and Mildred Hardy Distinguished Professor of Science
Established in 1999 by the estate of Paul Erling Hardy’37, the purpose of this endowed chair is “to enhance the understanding and appreciation of science among St. Olaf students.” A Minnesota native, Paul Hardy retired in 1969 after a career as a research chemist and petroleum engineer at the Exxon Corporation. Deeply committed to his alma mater, Dr. Hardy felt that St. Olaf represented well the values he most appreciated of free inquiry, free expression, and moral sensitivity. Chemistry professor Wesley Pearson ’54 was the first holder of this chair; he used it to help create an annual Science Symposium where St. Olaf students display the results of their research.
Anne Walter's training is in comparative physiology, physiology and pharmacology with emphasis on the properties of membranes. Most of her teaching revolves around physiology and cell biology. She also co-directs the Biology in South India Program with Gene Bakko and has Chaired the Biology Department at St. Olaf College. Walter and her husband, Mike Swift also served as visiting lecturers in the Zoology Department at Madras Christian College in Channai, Tamil Nadu after they were awarded Faculty Fulbrights for the 2009-10 school year.
