Cheers to Jerry! by Joel Burken

Thanks for everything!

jgburken — 2023-09-30 12:48:51 UTC

Thank you for setting a tone and being a remarkable role model for a generation of Hawkeye Environmental and Civil Engineers! Joel

"A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops."

- Henry Brooks Adams 1907

The Butterfly

2023-09-30 17:03:56 UTC

Dear Jerry,

You know what they say about butterflies when they flap their wings. You are my butterfly. You believed in me and gave me the chance to work with you on my PhD, and that started me down the path that I continue on today. Your example as a teacher and mentor taught me how to engage students with care and understanding. Every once in a while, I ask myself, "What would Jerry do?" and that continues to be a guiding light.

Wishing you a joyful 'retirement' with Jana and your beautiful family. Aimée and I look forward to hosting you when you tour the Pacific Northwest!

Gratefully yours,

Phil

Girl Scout Silver Award and Poplar Trees

2023-09-30 19:04:03 UTC

Jerry,
Thanks for letting me come see the Environmental Science building and teaching me about the benefits of poplar trees. Also thanks for giving me poplar trees to plant by the creek by my parents house for my Girl Scout Silver Award. I hope you have a blast during your retirement.
- Cami Fogg

Congratulations to Jerry!!!

2023-10-01 13:58:48 UTC

Jerry,

You are a true gem. You have made an incredible impact on the world with your teaching, research, philanthropy, and love for your family and friends. We are forever grateful to you!!!

Kate Metcalf

An excepcional person

2023-10-01 16:03:05 UTC

During my postdoctoral work at the University of Iowa, I witnessed Dr. Jerry Schnoor remarkable work in environmental science. His kind and open-minded nature created an inclusive environment, especially for foreign scholars like myself.

Dr. Schnoor's recognition is well-deserved. His dedication to advancing knowledge and mentoring has made a lasting impact on the scientific community and those he has worked with.

Congratulations, Dr. Jerry Schnoor on this well-deserved honor! Your legacy as a scientist and advocate for inclusivity will continue to inspire.

Dr. Graciela Ruiz, Mexico

Putting it down on paper

2023-10-01 18:30:14 UTC

Jerry - thank you for being a great editor of ES&T for many years and, with many students and post docs, such a prolific author of interesting papers. I also remember, fondly, my visit to campus in 1999 or 2000, to share ideas with faculty, students, and even Joel ‘s weird experiments with plants in the lab. Good friends and great work!

- Jerry Eykholt

Congratulations Jerry!

2023-10-01 18:38:34 UTC

A Long Time Ago In a Galaxy Far Away

2023-10-01 20:39:58 UTC

Wow! Professor Jerald Schnoor is retiring! Have to admit that I was never sure that this would happen.
We go back many years, Jerry. Freshman Student Government at Iowa State (I won my election, but you unfortunately lost). Government of the Student Body at Iowa State. You were President, I was Vice President.(During some of the most tumultuous times on college campuses). Fraternity brothers at Phi Gamma Delta. You were the Best Man at my wedding. And so on and so on.

That's a good number of hills and mountains that we hiked together. I've always felt honored to be a small part of your and Jana's lives...going back over 50 years! And astonishingly, we're both still vertical!
I hope that you and Jana enjoy your well deserved retirement. I'm sure that you probably have a plan for doing so.
All the best from Randall and me.

Jerry Parkin

From back in Texas

2023-10-01 20:45:29 UTC

Even before I arrived in Iowa City in 1992, my father told me to get in touch with Jerry Schnoor, a student he taught at the University of Texas. It was the best advice I had heading to Iowa City. Gerry and Janna Schnoor became best of friends for our family, especially our same age daughters Britta and our daughter Mary, who are still close friends. Although it is far from my professional interests, I always felt Jerry’s approach to engineering was consciously based on its social and environmental consequences, and he was an engineer who could explain things to the general public. He really has a humanitarian’s approach to engineering in the public sector. In my view he is one of the University of Iowa’s most outstanding professors, and overall a wonderful person. Congratulations on your still ongoing outstanding career.

Tom & Wakako Rohlich

Cheers to Jerry

2023-10-02 06:24:01 UTC

Congratulations on an amazing career! I am so excited for you as you start this next chapter in your life. You have been an amazing teacher, friend, and mentor to all your students. Your students have been so privileged to have you as their teacher. You have touched so many lives and they will in turn touch more lives and that is how change happens. You have students who already have done great things and students who will go out in the world and do great things. The world is a better place because of you and your teaching.
I look forward to this next chapter in your life. You deserve to have some time to enjoy what you have accomplished and go have some fun. Enjoy your family, and especially your adorable grandkids. (And if you are lucky they will take care of you when you are “very old”. But, you don’t get Raven she has already promised to take care of me since I am “very old”. ). It has been so fun to watch your life unfold from your Iowa State days, marrying my sister, raising your family, and helping change the world for the better. You have been the best brother-in-law ever and I look forward to spending more time with you as your work life winds down. I wish you all the best in the future. Love you- Dana

Congrats!

2023-10-02 12:23:56 UTC

Jerry,
We know you are a terrific and talented professor and also that you are an exceptionally kind and wonderful friend and person! We are always impressed with your skills in working with others and your approachable personality. We look forward to more lunches and dinners with you and Jana. Our lives have been much more enjoyable because we've known you and your family. Thanks for all your contributions to the world.
Janet and Bob

2023-10-02 17:53:43 UTC

Jerry let me intern at his lab in high school and keep working there in college. Working with him and his team (Phil and Craig) really opened my eyes to a love of science and engineering. He is so kind and humble and has impacted so many people. He also created a space where people collaborated together and supported one another. I'm so thankful I got to be a part of that! Happy Retirment! Liz (Ramer) Willham

Congrats, Jerry -- What an Impact You've Had!

artschnab — 2023-10-04 00:58:43 UTC

Jerry,
There are so many of us -- too numerous to count, really -- that have felt your impact as a mentor and friend. To be honest, I really didn't enjoy college all that much until I studied under you and Pedro Alvarez at Iowa. Upon joining your community at U of I, however, it became immediately apparent to me that the opportunity to experience scientific inquiry, teaching, and academic collegiality were among the greatest benefits available at any job, anywhere. Thus, I followed in your footsteps, and it has taken me to amazing places.

You've impacted others in other ways, and all of those impacts are based upon your lifelong dedication to, and evangelism of, inquiry, teaching, and collegiality. Its an honor to be considered one of your tribe.

There is a small village named Kaltag, located on the Yukon River in Western Alaska. 190 residents. They are employing phytoremediation there to mitigate a fuel oil spill at their local school. They've never heard of Jerry Schnoor, and frankly, they've never heard of me, either. But what they're doing there is based upon your early adoption and promotion of that technology. It's that, and similar endeavors all over the globe, that is your legacy.

All the best to you and Jana in your retirement.

-Bill Schnabel

Tribute to Our Spring Water

zimwang — 2023-10-05 07:10:00 UTC

Dear Professor Schnoor,

Our journey of inspiration and growth began through the exchanges in our emails, and the impact you have had on my academic path is immeasurable. Your endorsement and encouragement motivated me to craft that special piece on the international narrative of aquatic chemistry, a journey that not only enlightened me but also showed me the true essence of serving the community and forging an academic legacy.

Your nomination for the James J. Morgan Early Career Award holds a special place in my heart, reinforcing my commitment to our field.

"A small square pond, an uncovered mirror,
where sunlight and clouds linger and leave.
I asked how it stays so clear,
it said spring water keeps flowing in."

You are our metaphorical spring water, continually enriching us with wisdom. Your mentorship has guided my academic journey with enduring clarity.

As you enter this well-deserved retirement, I extend my warmest wishes. Your legacy will endure through the lives you've touched and the knowledge you've shared.

I eagerly await the day we can meet in person. Whenever you plan to visit China, I would be honored to welcome you and your family to Shanghai.

Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling retirement.

-Zimeng Wang, Fudan University

Sense of Humor

jgburken — 2023-10-05 11:31:02 UTC

Jerry Tree Hugger

jgburken — 2023-10-05 11:32:42 UTC

It's true...

Jerry,

2023-10-05 14:49:13 UTC

Thank you so much for your advice, support, and mentorship. I remember that when I first met you while I was a graduate student, you treated me as an equal and listened. I have tried to do the same when I meet new members of our field. I appreciated that you engaged me in the field, offered advice as I navigated different stages of my career, and always took the time to chat. You are an amazing asst to our field and profession. Best of luck in your next endeavors!!
Sincerely
Bill Arnold

Celebrate, baby, celebrate!

2023-10-05 15:46:54 UTC

I wish I could be there to celebrate a brilliant and inspiring leader of our scientific community... "Celebrate, baby, celebrate"!

José M. Cerrato

Jerry,

2023-10-05 16:18:36 UTC

Thank you so, so much for everything you have done to make the environmental engineering and science community as inclusive and welcoming as it is. The impact of your career on our field is incomparable. You have shown all of us how to be considerate, compassionate, and supportive while always setting high standards. I've tried to always emulate your capacity to work at a high level, while also making family a priority. Thank you for everything!
-Peter Vikesland

2023-10-05 17:38:07 UTC

Hello Jerry,
I still remember the first time I met you at an HSRC meeting in Oregon. I had just started at Georgia Tech, and you shared words of wisdom, advice, and a few cigars. I very much appreciate your kindness and the encouragement you gave me, and all you have done to advance the field of environmental engineering. You are one of a kind and I wish you all the best.
Cheers! -Kurt
Brown University

Magical Memories

acdietz1 — 2023-10-06 05:03:12 UTC

Jerry, I feel so fortunate to have been one of your students. You created such a warm, caring, and truly magical environment to learn, grow, and collaborate. You have an amazing ability to see the promise in every student and encourage each to find their own happiness and success based on their strengths and interests. You and Jana welcomed such a wide variety of people into your lives and made us all feel special. Thank you for being a fantastic role model in having fun while working hard pursuing big dreams. You have made a huge difference in so many lives. Wishing you all the best in your retirement.

-Annette Dietz

P.S. Found that photo ;)

2023-10-09 12:23:57 UTC

Thanks for inspiring people to be amazing with the support and freedom needed to change the world for the better!

Thanks and congratulations

janethering — 2023-10-21 17:39:32 UTC

Dear Jerry, Thanks for your friendship and support throughout my career -- from my postdoc and Eawag to my retirement last year. Enjoy the rest of your time as active faculty and the opportunity to plan for your retirement. All the best for the future, Janet

Thanks and Congratulations

2023-12-07 05:26:11 UTC

Hi Jerry,

When I first met you in Beijing, you were very friendly. When I was in your group as a postdoc, you treated me as equal and listened. The first time I met a real Santa at your house, and the best Santa I've ever met.

Thank you so much for your advice and support. You believed in me and gave me the chance to work with you. I have learned a lot from you, which will benefit me for the rest of my life.

Thanks for all your contributions to the phytoremediation. Being a postdoc in your group is a blessing in life.

Thank you for treating me like a granddaughter. I hope you and Jana enjoy your retirement. Congratulations!

Yanlin