2025-2026 Victor P. Thalacker Graduate Fellowship Recipient: Hayden Leatherwood

Congratulations to CBC graduate student Hayden Leatherwood who is this year’s recipient of the Victor P. Thalacker Graduate Fellowship in Chemistry and Biochemistry!

The Victor P. Thalacker Chemistry Graduate Fellowship was established by the Thalacker family to recognize the importance of the University of Arizona and the Department of Chemistry on Victor's career success. Victor obtained his PhD in Organic Chemistry, under the direction of Prof. Robert B. Bates, from the University of Arizona in 1968. He then spent 35 years at 3M Company in a variety of chemistry, engineering, and management positions.

Since his retirement, Victor has committed his energies to a variety of community activities including Habitat for Humanity, and the development of safe water supplies for communities in Tanzania. Victor and his wife, Connie, feel strongly about the value of education and the importance of chemistry in the life of human kind. They wish to encourage, through this fellowship, leading students in their pursuit of advanced degrees in Chemistry at the University of Arizona. The entire Thalacker family recognizes the importance of fellowship and community involvement in personal success and would like to encourage the continuation of these ideals in future citizens of the United States.