After dedicating the majority of his life to serving the UCSD community, F. Thomas Bond has announced his plans to retire from his position as Revelle College provost in June of this year, though he may still teach. His decision resulted from his belief that no one should stay in any position too long.
Revelle college provost, 1983-2003
Bond has been teaching at UCSD for nearly 37 years. He has been provost during 20 of those years, which is four times longer than any other provost in Revelle’s history.
Bond credits chemistry professor Russell Doolittle for recommending him to take on the provost position at Revelle over two decades ago.
Before his position as provost, Bond worked in the chemistry department, doing research and teaching both undergraduate and graduate students. Even while he served as Revelle provost, he continued to teach organic chemistry at the undergraduate level.
Also, Bond will teach a freshman seminar called “”Chemicals in My Food”” this spring. He said that he enjoys instructing these classes because they allow him to get to know a wide range of students from all of the six UCSD colleges.
“”I always admired that he often found the time to try to teach an organic chemistry class in his 20 years as provost and was considered to be a very good teacher,”” said David Miller, associate vice chancellor for academic planning and resources.
As of press time, a course and professor evaluation rating for Bond could not be found.
Bond said he never grades on a curve, so he would not have to “”pit students against each other.”” Furthermore, he encourages students to help each other in class; however, he does not encourage them to help each other on midterms and finals.
Students say that Bond will not only be remembered for his teaching, but also for his distinct character.
“”He was never too busy to talk with anyone,”” said Revelle student Garo Bournoutian.
Bond’s students and colleagues describe him as a man of great integrity, passion and conviction. Revelle College Council Financial Controller Daniel Sollof will mostly remember Bond’s “”wide, heartwarming smile.””
Bond says his dedication is driven by his love for teaching, and he has aspired to be a university professor since he first entered college. He maintains that his dedication is strengthened because of the people he works with.
“”I have been fortunate to work with some incredible students and wonderful staff,”” Bond said.
Since coming to UCSD, Bond said he has liked every one of the six different bosses he has worked for.
Bond’s plans after retirement include going abroad to Spain. He also looks forward to spending more time with his wife and children. He wants to read and do many different things.
However, he would still like to be involved with the UCSD community, and may teach a course next fall. He will continue to write recommendation letters and advise students.
The search for a new provost for Revelle College has already begun. The qualification for a provost includes being a faculty member at UCSD for a minimum of 10 years. This person must enjoy working with students and be chosen by the search committee.
The final decision will be made by Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Marsha Chandler.
Many people believe that it will be hard to replace Bond because of the high standards he had for himself.
“”I tried to fill his shoes, but it was a nearly impossible job,”” said Barbara Sawrey, chemistry department vice chair of educations and the acting Revelle College provost during Bond’s sabbatical leave in 2001-02. “”He holds a type of dedication and compassion that is hard to find. He symbolizes the heart of UCSD because he has put so much into it.””
Long before he came to UCSD, Bond lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., and served in the army for a year. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and went on to earn a doctorate in chemistry at UC Berkeley. His first teaching job was at Oregon State University, but he was unsatisfied there, leading him to eventually come to UCSD.
A reception for Bond is being planned for late spring to honor his service at UCSD.
