John Greivenkamp: The 2023 SPIE Directors’ Award
John Greivenkamp, who passed away last year, was a longtime professor at the University of Arizona’s Wyant College of Optical Sciences. He was renowned for his prowess and innovation as an educator as well as for his collection of antique telescopes and optical instruments, the basis for the Museum of Optics at Wyant College.
An SPIE Member for more than 26 years, Greivenkamp became a Fellow in 1996. He supported SPIE in many capacities, contributing his wisdom, time, and energy to improving the Society as well as its educational and professional impact upon its Members and beyond. He served multiple terms as a member of the SPIE Board of Directors and took on the role of SPIE President in 2020. He taught technical courses and served on numerous SPIE committees — including the Strategic Planning and Symposia Committees — and as chair of the Publications Committee from 2011 through 2014. His Field Guide to Geometrical Optics is SPIE Press’ all-time best-selling technical book.
“It is particularly fitting that SPIE recognizes the tremendous legacy of John Greivenkamp's longstanding service and leadership to this organization with the 2023 Directors' Award,” notes University of Auckland professor, entrepreneur, and SPIE Senior Member M. Cather Simpson. “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the SPIE Field Guide series, a collection of reference guides for scientists and engineers studying and working in optics and photonics, and a series that has motivated, educated, and inspired generations of students and professionals. Professor Greivenkamp imagined and led the realization of the SPIE Field Guides, and authored the first volume, Field Guide to Geometrical Optics. Of course,” adds Simpson, “Greivenkamp also had a distinguished career at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona, creating a particularly important legacy in education. The breadth and depth of his contributions and impact fully match the breadth and depth of the very high regard those in the optics and photonics community hold for John.”
Meet the other 2023 SPIE Society Award recipients.
Read more about John Greivenkamp and the SPIE Directors’ Award.
