In Remembrance of Professor Emeritus Joseph Chalmers

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Professor Emeritus Joseph Chalmers, a distinguished member of our academic community and former Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy for nearly 16 years, from 1988 to 2004.
Trained as a Nuclear Physicist, Professor Chalmers was an exemplary educator, remembered fondly by his students for his challenging yet inspiring courses in Mathematical Physics and Electromagnetic Theory. Even after his retirement, his commitment to education remained steadfast. For the past two decades, he continued to teach at the University of California, San Diego, where he imparted his knowledge of Statistical Mechanics to new generations of students.
Professor Chalmers was not only an exceptional teacher but also a tireless advocate for the Department of Physics and Astronomy. One of his most notable achievements was leading the successful effort to prevent the closure of the planetarium, an endeavor that culminated in the establishment of the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium, a lasting legacy that continues to benefit our community.
Physics and Astronomy Chair Chakram Jayanthi attests to how Professor Chalmers remained deeply connected to the department even after his retirement, celebrating each success with genuine joy—whether it was the approval of our Ph.D. program, the rise in undergraduate enrollments and physics majors, or the recognition our students received on the national stage. His pride in the department's accomplishments was evident and heartfelt.
We will forever cherish Professor Chalmers’ leadership, his contributions to our department, and the impact he had on so many lives. Please join me in remembering and honoring his legacy.