Louis Whiteside Balmer, one of the first 12 full-time faculty members at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, died on July 26, at his Jordan Road home next to campus. He was 93.
In the fall of 1948, Balmer, and his wife, Evelyn, were among the first to arrive at the recently founded Penn State Behrend. Lou taught chemistry to the first 146 students who enrolled at the college. The Balmers were active in campus life -- committed to providing the highest standard of education and a sense of community out of respect for the unique opportunity given by benefactor Mary Behrend.
Balmer dedicated his career to his students and supported others through his teaching and leadership. In the early years, the couple lived in Carriage House, part of what is the historic core of the Penn State Behrend campus. As such, he, along with other faculty and staff members, helped to clean and paint the Glenhill pool each spring.
When Penn State Behrend began its expansion in 1962, Balmer was involved in the design of the Otto Behrend Science Building. The building, which still stands on campus today, replaced the original 15-seat classroom and lab that had been housed in the Behrend family's original five-bay garage.
Balmer was a member of Penn State Behrend's chemistry faculty until his retirement in the spring of 1982. In 2007, the Balmers established the Louis W. and Evelyn H. Balmer Trustee Scholarship at Penn State Behrend to help students pursuing chemistry degrees.
Balmer served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. He was the executive director of Erie's Engineers Week Industrial Expo for 30 years and was a member of the American Chemical Society for 69 years. Balmer also volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America. He earned the Silver Beaver Award, a distinguished service award to honor adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth.
Balmer earned a Bachelor of Science in physics from Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y., and a Master of Education from Penn State.
Balmer was born on Nov. 25, 1916, in Ardmore, Pa. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Evelyn; two sons, Norman and his wife, Karen, of Ridgefield, Conn., and Wesley and his wife, Donna, of Phoenix, Ariz.; a daughter, Deanna Balmer Svrcek and her husband, Martin, of Woodbine, Md.; as well as four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
The family will have a private memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Louis W. and Evelyn H. Balmer Scholarship Fund at Penn State Behrend, 4701 College Drive, Erie, PA 16563.