There are many great institutions of higher education, but there is only one Samford University. Here, a dedicated faculty and energetic students join to create a community of learning and faith like no other. The beauty of Samford’s campus is virtually matchless, but it pales in comparison to the quality of our people. From the classrooms and laboratories to the artistic stages and athletic venues, the minds and souls of Samford people make the real difference. Samford people bring the best, they are demanding and compassionate, they know the importance of engaging the world with a faith that calls them to serve. Each Monday, I share one of their incredible stories to illustrate how our people impact the world.
Monday Mission, March 29, 2021
Last Friday I learned from Dr. Emily Hynds, our Goldwater Scholarship Program representative, that Sydney Bottcher has been selected for the prestigious Goldwater program, which “seeks to identify and support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming the Nation’s next generation of research leaders” in the fields of natural sciences, engineering and mathematics.
Sydney is a junior Chemistry major at Samford, with plans to teach and conduct research in natural product synthesis and medicinal chemistry.
Sydney has been conducting research for the past two years with Dr. Dale Wilger of our Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and she is already the lead author of a published paper. Coincidentally, as the announcement regarding Sydney’s Goldwater appointment was released last Friday, Dr. and Mrs. Wilger welcomed their second child. It was a great day for Sydney and the Wilger family.
The world is better because of Sydney Bottcher, her towering intellect, and the presence in her life of a gifted mentor, Dale Wilger.
