2008 Alumni Faculty Appreciation Award
Across the nation, there are Mount alumni doctors, medical technologists, nurses, dieticians, and researchers who studied chemistry with the distinguished Charles Feldhake. From 1950 to 1989, at both the “old Mount” and new campus, Charlie was the professor who kept his office door open and his labs ready for students. The result is the success of countless alumni who studied chemistry with one of the best.
Charlie taught organic and general chemistry for 39 years when the Mount was primarily a women’s college. Karen Barone Manhart ’76 recalls that it was not common for women to major in chemistry in those days, except at the Mount, where faculty like Charlie Feldhake encouraged them to succeed. “He is still the ever-present teacher and advisor in my mind,” says Karen.
His labs were always ready. From freshman chemistry classes to senior research projects, Charlie ensured that students had the tools to perform laboratory procedures safely and correctly. He loved preparing lessons and tests and even reading countless lab reports from his students. He once said that he liked the combination of working with chemicals and with people. He succeeded at both. He took great care of the equipment in the Chemistry Department so that students could have the best learning environment. He challenged his students and celebrated the achievements of alumni.
Charles Feldhake is highly respected and well-loved by Mount graduates, and is most deserving of the highest faculty honor awarded by the alumni.