Chemistry professor Eugene Gooch died Friday evening, April 3, in a traffic accident near campus. Read this note for a message from President Leo M. Lambert and details about memorial service arrangements.
Dear Members of the Elon Community,
I am deeply saddened to inform the Elon community that chemistry professor Eugene Gooch was killed Friday evening, April 3, in an accident on University Drive north of campus. Gene was an avid bicyclist and was struck by a car as he rode along the road.
Gene joined the Elon faculty in 1988 and was an active scholar and mentor to his students. He specialized in chemical education and organic chemistry, and was an authority on nuclear magnetic resonance, natural products, organic synthesis and molecular modeling.
Gene’s colleagues describe him as a bright scholar who had a passion for his field of organic chemistry and was committed to sharing that passion with his students.
Rich and Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington will be handling arrangements.
There will be a “Gathering of Friends” at Elon at 8 p.m. this Sunday, April 5, for all who wish to share their feelings of loss and reflect on memories and good times with Gene Gooch. The gathering will be in the Isabella Cannon Room in the Center for the Arts.
A memorial service for Dr. Gooch will be held in the Elon Community Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Room of the church.
Marcia Gooch, wife of Gene, has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association , https://donate.americanheart.org/ or a charity of your choice in his honor. Condolences may be sent to 2015 Westover Drive, Burlington, NC 27215.
Students who are currently enrolled in courses taught by Dr. Gooch should report to classes at the normal times. Counselors and faculty members from the chemistry department will be available to assist students.
The loss of a colleague or faculty mentor is difficult. Those who knew Dr. Gooch may wish to speak with their minister or speak with a counselor. People who need assistance should contact the Counselor on Call at any time through Campus Security at 278-5555. Also, do not hesitate to contact the Chaplain’s Office at 278-7729, Counseling Services at 278-7280 or the Office of Student Development at 278-7200.
With deepest sorrow,
Leo M. Lambert
President