The UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science has established the Eric Pascal Bescher Scholarship in Materials Science, thanks to a gift of $100,000 from CTS Cement Manufacturing Co. The endowed scholarship will support undergraduate students who major in materials science and engineering.
Bescher is an associate adjunct professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at UCLA Engineering and is a leading researcher in advanced cementitious materials. The scholarship was created in Bescher’s name to honor his work with calcium sulfoaluminate cement, which is stronger, more durable and is produced more sustainably than other materials commonly used in major construction projects.
“Eric is a leader in applied research on the development of new and longer-lasting materials for better infrastructure,” said Edward Rice, chairman of CTS Cement. “He helped develop pavement that will last 100 years, instead of the usual 20 to 30 years of Portland cement pavement. We want to both show our regard for Eric’s contributions and encourage talented students to pursue work in this important field, where they can impact the world for the better.”
Edward Rice and his wife Linda Rice are longtime supporters of UCLA Engineering. Edward Rice is a former lecturer and adjunct professor of materials science at UCLA Engineering. He has led a distinguished career in cement and major construction projects, and holds 23 patents in concrete and building technology. He currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council and received the UCLA Engineering Lifetime Contribution Award in 2013. Previous gifts from Edward and Linda Rice to UCLA Engineering include funds for a school conference room, the annual UCLA Engineering Outstanding Student Awards, and the Edward K. and Linda L. Rice Term Chair in Materials Science.
CTS manufactures cement for airport and highway paving and industrial floors in the U.S., Mexico, Italy and Thailand.