​Stuart Alan Rice, Age 92.

Stuart Alan Rice, Age 92

Beloved husband of Ruth O’Brien and the late Marian Rice. Loving father of Barbara Rice, David Rice and the late Janet Rice. Dear grandfather of Joel (Emma) Rice and Rachel Rice.

“Stuart was Frank P. Hixon Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the Department of Chemistry and the James Franck Institute, and former dean of the Physical Sciences Division (1981-1995).

Stuart’s journey began with a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College in 1952, followed by a PhD from Harvard University just three years later in 1955. While working as a Harvard Junior Fellow, splitting his time between Harvard and Yale, he launched his remarkably productive career at the University of Chicago in 1957.

For over six decades, Stuart was a driving force in physical chemistry, seamlessly blending theoretical and experimental research. His prolific output included over 700 papers exploring a vast landscape of topics: from excitons in crystals and liquids, radiationless molecular transitions, and effects of quantum chaos on excited molecules, to electrical properties of liquid metals, statistical mechanics of fluids, and the structure and dynamics of molecules adsorbed on surfaces. He delved into the electrical secrets of liquid metals, unraveled the statistical mechanics of fluids, and illuminated the intricate structure and dynamics of molecules clinging to surfaces. Stuart remained active and rigorous in his retirement and was working collaboratively with Norbert Scherer and his group up to his death.

Stuart’s impact extended far beyond his own research. Not only had he been a scientific powerhouse, but he had also been an immensely thoughtful and helpful mentor, guiding and supporting colleagues at all stages of their careers. His commitment to fostering scientific growth earned him widespread recognition, including the prestigious Wolf Prize and the National Medal of Science, which cited him “for changing the very nature of modern physical chemistry through his research, teaching and writing, using imaginative approaches to both experiment and theory that have inspired a new generation of scientists.”

Stuart’s accolades also included four medals from the American Chemical Society (the Award in Pure Chemistry, the Baekland Award, the Debye Award, and the Hildebrand Award), as well as the Hirschfelder Prize in Theoretical Chemistry and the Centennial Medal of Harvard University. His commitment to public service was evident in his roles on advisory boards for federal agencies and his two decades-long membership on the Board of Directors of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

A fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society, Stuart shaped the field through his fifty years as editor of Advances in Chemical Physics. He also co-authored four books: Polyelectrolyte Solutions with Mitsuru Nagasawa, The Statistical Mechanics of Simple Liquids with Peter Gray, Optical Control of Molecular Dynamics with Meishan Zhao, and Physical Chemistry with R. Steven Berry and John Ross.

Stuart’s legacy at the University of Chicago includes leadership roles as director of the James Franck Institute, chair of the Department of Chemistry, and dean of the Physical Sciences Division. He personally mentored over one hundred graduate students, leaving an enduring mark on the scientific community.” - Ka Yee, Acting Dean, Physical Sciences Division.

Service Tuesday, 11AM at Congregation Rodfei Zedek, 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University of Chicago, Stuart and Marion Rice Fund, Physical Sciences Division, 5235 South Harper Court, Chicago, IL 60615, Attn: Katie Bailey, kbailey1@uchicago.edu, http://physicalsciences.uchicago.edu/about/give. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com