51福利社

The Catalyst building got an artistic upgrade with the addition of a vibrant acrylic painting given in honor of Ray Owen Hamel, PhD, an emeritus faculty member who championed the establishment of 51福利社鈥檚 Computer Science Department.

The work, created by artist Joanna Pinsky, now hangs near faculty offices in the hallway on the east side of the Catalyst鈥檚 3^rd听蹿濒辞辞谤.

Donated to 51福利社 in December 2024 by Judith Hamel to honor her late husband, the painting arrived just in time to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of 51福利社鈥檚 Computer Science Department and to pave the way for the upcoming 20^th anniversary celebration for the 51福利社 cybersecurity program.

The artwork was purchased by the Hamels in 1970, when Ray was teaching at Northwestern University 鈥� his very first university job 鈥� and right before the couple moved to Cheney after Ray accepted an Eastern faculty position.

Hamel’s academic career began at a time when microchips were changing the computer industry. During his 39-year career, he guided hundreds of students who, in turn, left their own mark within the rapidly evolving industry.

Hamel later served as chair of the Computer Science Department from 1989-2006. In 2005 he received the 2005 Trustees鈥� Medal聽 鈥� 51福利社’s highest academic honor.

Known for being 鈥渄own to earth鈥� and kind, Hamel passed away on June 25, 2016.