All-Alumni Reunion Lunch: Honoring the Class of 1968

Richard Leukroth '68

Employment history:
U.S. Envirnonmentall Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances - Chemical Control Division; Chemist, Environmental/Regulatory Scientist, Biologist/Toxicologist
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Life Sciences Research; Office Scientist
Universities Associated for Research and Education in Pathology; Staff Scientist
Hazleton Laboratories America Inc., P2 Barrier Toxicology Facility; Toxicology Section Supervisor / Study Director
Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Department of Pathology and Toxicology; Scientist / GLP Specialist
Cohen Research Center, Flower and Fifth Avenue Hospital- Department of Clinical Hematology and Biochemistry; Research Technician

Memories:
Mr. Eckhart - Evolution The day he walked into class, threw a copy of the New York Times onto the podium and told us about birth defects caused by the drug thalidomide. He challenged the class, explaining the urgent need for life scientists to pursue a career in toxicology testing of drugs and chemicals.
Dr. Henrietta Kalicki - Embryology The hours spent doing research on the brain ring gland complex of 3rd instar drosophila larvae.
Dr. Joseph Napolitano - Invertebrate Zoology Standing in the corner of the classroom flapping his arms after explaining the chemistry of cilia contractions.
Dr. Jerry March - Biochemistry Describing the formulation for making plastic explosives, which a fellow classmate promptly made on the sly. We attempted to light up a pile of wood debris by the science building which was then under construction.
Dr. Richard Botke - English He "learned me" that executing the English language via creative writing would be a lifetime pursuit.

Interests:
Travel, especially cruising
Music, Theater
Shade gardening,
Art Glass and paperweights,
International Cuisine and Cooking
Square Dancing
Museum and National Park trekking
Enjoying nature and retirement life in a four-season mountain resort cottage overlooking Walton Mountain, on the sunny side of Shenandoah National Park and surrounded by Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains with Liz, my beautiful bride.

Volunteerism: 'I make a point to medal as much as possible and volunteer as little as possible; for which I am extremely proud of all anonymous accomplishments both real and perceived.'

Involvement: WALI radio, engineer / announcer / solo broadcaster; Lutheran Club, President


What difference did attending Adelphi University make in your life?
In a career that spanned some 40 + years, I combined AU training in Biology / Chemistry / Health Sciences into a lasting career in the field of toxicology while serving in a variety of applied science venues. My AU knowledge base provided comfort, adventure, and wonder, along with a sense of accomplishment over the test of time. AU set me on a life's journey in the bio-medical sciences that continued to unfold and grow as I changed from one work environment to another; re-inventing myself along the way to accept new opportunities and contribute to an ever expanding venue of challenges and responsibilities embracing the field of applied toxicology.

What is one piece of advice would you offer an Adelphi University student?
Never let an opportunity be left unattended. Always be focused on your callings core values while providing service to the greater good of human endeavor.