The Contribution of Carl (Speed) Marvel to Polymer Science

It is an exceptional honor and privilege for me to contribute to this special symposium “Polymer Synthesis-The 1980's”, and lam very much obliged to Eli Pearce for giving me the opportunity to present to you a short report on the life and on the extraordinary accomplishments of our new Honorary Doctor of Sciences. When, about a year ago a group of us thought that our Polymer Research Institute should recognize Professor Marvel's outstanding contribution to polymer science in an unusual manner, it was felt that a special symposium should be organized in his honor and that he should receive an Honorary Degree of Science at this occasion. The conferment of such a degree is, of course, a matter of the faculty, but our Provost, Professor Donaruma, succeeded to overcome all difficulties and we were able to issue the invitation for this symposium which, to our great satisfaction, is being attended by such a large group of friends and admirers of our honoree. A few who would have liked to be here were unable to come but sent letters with the expression of their sincere regrets to be absent and of their congratulations. I am giving these letters to Professor Marvel; they are signed by Ed Jefferson, Dick Heckert, Paul Flory, and Frank Press. But now to the topic of my address.