Treasured Photo

There's a lot of history in this photograph.

If you connected with the UC Davis Department of Entomology in 1970, you'll recognize some of the names, if not the faces.

Sixteen distinguished faculty members posed for this photo. Among them were nationally known entomologists, researchers and former department chairs.  No Toms, but one Dick and two Harrys.

The roll call:
Oscar Bacon, Dick Bushing, Vern Burton, Elmer Carlson, Charles Judson, Al Grigarick, Harry Laidlaw, Harry Lange, Ed Loomis, Don McLean, Bob Schuster, Ward Stanger, Frank Strong, Frank Summers, Robbin Thorp and Bob Washino.

This 16-member group includes three Fellows of the Entomological Society of America (ESA): Laidlaw, McLean and Washino. (Not pictured: Richard Bohart for whom the Bohart Museum of Entomology is named. Bohart (1913-2007) received the award in 1947, the first UC Davis entomologist to be so honored.  The prestigious Fellow award is granted to 10 or fewer entomologists each year in the global organization.

McLean is a past president of ESA.

Bob Washino, who specialized in mosquitoes, is a recipient of the Harry Hoogstraal Medal, the top international ward in medical entomology.

Some brief notes about several of them:

Bacon, a noted agricultural entomologist who specialized in field crops, served as the department chair when Briggs Hall was dedicated in 1972. Now 89, he'll be 90 in November. He continues to volunteer at the Heidrick Ag History Center in Woodland.

Noted bee biologist Harry Hyde Laidlaw Jr. (1907-2003) was considered by his peers worldwide as "the father of honey bee genetics." The honey bee research facility at UC Davis appropriately bears his name. 

Robbin Thorp, a noted authority on native pollinators, including bumblebees, is an emeritus professor and former department chair who maintains an office and research facilities at the Laidlaw.

Washino and Judson, both former department chairs and emeritus professors, remain active in entomology.

These 16 are just a few of the entomology faculty members back in 1970 who paved the way and shaped the future for the next generation of scientists.