Dr. Alev Yaraman, an ICG ex-president, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by her Alma Mater, the University of Sheffield, UK, to celebrate the enormous contribution that she has made over the years to many organisations.

Prof Allan Matthews, a previous head of the department of Materials Science and Engineering at Sheffield, gave a public oration highlighting her many achievements.

Prof John Parker, secretary of the ICG CTC and regular columnist for Glass International, was the Deputy Marshal assisting with the ceremony.

Dr. Yaraman was accompanied by her husband, daughter and grandson.

Her career began with a first degree in Chemistry at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey. She spent a summer working at the major glass producer Şişecam, where, she says, she “admired the capabilities of this excellent material”.

Subsequently, Şişecam gave her the opportunity to study in the then Department of Glass Technology at Sheffield University then headed by Prof Ron Douglas (ICG President 1972-75).

Ultimately, she was to follow in the footsteps of both Profs Rawson and Douglas, the former as chair of CTC (1992-97), and the latter as president of ICG (2003-06).

After this period of study, Dr. Yaraman returned to Şişecam, and under her leadership the company’s research and development flourished, enabling their scientists to focus on glass technology, energy conservation and environmental concerns.

In 1999, she received the Phoenix Award, given annually to the person who has made significant contributions to the international glass industry; she remains the only woman to have achieved this accolade.

Mrs Yaraman’s successor as President of the ICG was Professor Helmut Schaeffer and he endorsed her successful nomination for the ICG’s President’s Award in 2007.

He said, “It is a special honour for the ICG to attract such persons as Alev Yaraman, who dedicate voluntarily their time for promoting the advancement of glass science and technology besides their demanding professional affiliations.

“She is an outstanding ambassador for the cause of the ICG – she convinces by means of her great enthusiasm and thus inspires the willingness for collaboration.”

Photo caption: Ex ICG president Dr Alev Yaraman receives honorary degree.

Source: http://www.icglass.org/latest-news/icg-news/?id=101&art=Honour+for+ex-President