The UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science has established the Eric Pascal Bescher Scholarship in Materials Science, named for a faculty member who is a leading researcher in advanced cementitious materials. The endowed scholarship, made possible by a gift of $100,000 from CTS Cement Manufacturing Co., will support undergraduate students who major in materials science and engineering.
The scholarship honors Bescher, an associate adjunct professor of materials science and engineering, for his work with calcium sulfoaluminate cement, which is stronger, more durable and 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.”
Rice — along with his wife, Linda — is a longtime supporter of UCLA Engineering, where he previously served as a lecturer and adjunct professor of materials science. He has led a distinguished career in cement and major construction projects, and holds 23 patents in concrete and building technology. Rice currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council and received the UCLA Engineering Lifetime Contribution Award in 2013. Previous gifts from the Rices 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.
