91Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ

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David Harpp (1937-2026)

Published: 19 February 2026

It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you know that David Harpp, the Tomlinson Professor Emeritus in Science Education, our colleague, but also to many of us in the department a teacher, mentor and friend for many decades, passed away Saturday February 14th, peacefully and in the presence of those closest to him.

In addition to a prolific research career, and serving in many roles within 91Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ, including as our Chemistry Department Chair, at 91Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµâ€™s Senate, and also President of the 91Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ Faculty Club, his active role developing new teaching methodologies brought great acclaim in North America and earned him several awards, notably, in 2001 the Principal's Prize for Excellence in Teaching (Inaugural Award), Full Professor Category; in 2003 the James Flack Norris Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Chemistry, Northeast Section of the American Chemical Society; in 2010 the Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in Learning, 91Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ (Inaugural Award); in 2012 a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, by the Government of Canada; and in 2012 a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), Guelph University, Guelph, Ontario. The list is ample and the above represent a subset. David taught an impressive number of students over the years, just shy of 70,000.

His legacy will live on in each of us at 91Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ Chemistry and in the numerous students worldwide who nurtured from and were influenced by his truly memorable lectures.

Sincerely,

91Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ Chemistry 

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