The G. Stafford Whitby Memorial Lectureship, named in honor of one of the pioneers in rubber chemistry, is made possible through a grant from the Bridgestone Americas Center for Research and Technology and is presented through The University of Akron’s Department of Polymer Science.

Dr. Whitby, who died in 1972 at the age of 84, retired from The University of Akron in 1952 after ten years as Professor of Rubber Chemistry and Director of Rubber Research. He continued to serve the University as a research consultant until 1971. Dr. Whitby was best known for developing techniques for handling latex and producing synthetic rubber. He earned an international reputation for his research work in England and Canada, as well as the United States. He was a noted author and received numerous awards during his distinguished career.