In memoriam: Luther Kennedy Brice Jr., professor emeritus of chemistry
Beloved Professor Emeritus Luther Kennedy Brice Jr. passed away on April 2. Born Jan. 29, 1928, Brice influenced many lives with his boundless compassion, energy, intellect, and wit over his 98 years.
Brice joined the Department of Chemistry in 1954 and taught chemistry to exactly 23,593 students during his time with the department. He achieved renown as “Take it Twice Brice,” when a student wrote on a blackboard after a final exam, “It’s nice to take it twice or even thrice from Brice.”
Brice was also known for the chemical magic shows he performed in a costume largely made by his students. He gained the nickname “Merlin the Magician” while he performed his chemistry tricks — which included acts such as timing iodine clock reactions to Rossini’s "William Tell Overture."
During his 32 years at Virginia Tech, Brice received numerous awards including the competitive University Wine Award for Excellence in Teaching (1961) and the Sporn Award for Excellence in Teaching (1966).
When he retired in 1986, Brice moved to Washington, D.C., where he taught chemistry as an adjunct professor at American University from 1986 to 1994.
Brice has left a lasting impact on the Virginia Tech community and beyond. He became a foundational community member wherever he went. He lived as a role model, mentor, and champion of education. He provided safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, all with the intention to gather and celebrate life.
Friends and family are coming together to honor his legacy through the Luther Brice Undergraduate Research Fellowship, which will provide undergraduate chemistry students with the opportunity to work alongside faculty mentors on meaningful research — a fitting tribute to Brice’s passion for teaching, mentoring, and discovery. To support this effort, make a gift online or contact Jenny Orzolek at 540-818-5786 or jorzolek@vt.edu.
Virginia Tech realizes that the death of a friend, teammate, or student is difficult, and we are here to offer our support.
Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
- Sentara Health Plans Vantage HMO at 800-899-8174
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services at 540-231-6205
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
- Civil Rights Compliance at 540-231-2010
- Women's Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806
- University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
- Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573
