We mourn the passing of a friend, a mentor, and the force that created our organization. Our loss is profound, and for many of us it is personal. Only Richard could articulate the impossible vision of changing the status quo, and only he could convince normal people, that, with his help, they can do it. From the day he sketched the new organization on his whiteboard, until our last meeting shortly before he was taken away from us, he remained intimately involved. The only fitting tribute is to continue doing our part to realize his vision.

Costas J. Spanos
Professor of EECS
Associate Dean, Research, COE

As a tribute to Dean Newton’s vision, ERSO is coordinating the effort of gathering individual donations from ERSO staff for the Berkeley Center for Synthetic Biology. If you would like to contribute please make your personal check payable to UC Foundation for the Berkeley Center for Synthetic Biology and submit it to Stephanie Gangl by February 5th (Room 195M Cory Hall). Any amount of financial contribution will be matched by UC is welcome and is a step forward in realizing Dean Newton’s vision. All checks will be presented together accompanied by a letter from Associate Dean Spanos to the Berkeley Center for Synthetic Biology.