Walter Cooper (scientist) facts for kids

Walter Cooper was born on July 18, 1928, in Clairton, Pennsylvania. He is an American scientist, a kind-hearted person who helps others (a humanitarian), an activist who works for fairness, and an educator. While he was mainly a research scientist, he also worked hard for civil rights in both Rochester, New York and the country of Mali.

Walter Cooper's Early Life and Learning

A Strong Belief in Education

Walter Cooper's parents, Alonzo and Luda Cooper, strongly believed that education was very important. Walter himself often said, "Not educating a child is the worst way to harm them." This idea guided his whole life.

High School and College Years

Walter graduated from Clairton High School in 1946. He was a fantastic football player there and was even named "All Monongahela Valley." His friend, Dan Towler, who also played football, convinced Walter to join him at Washington & Jefferson College. Walter earned a scholarship and played for the college's football team, the Presidents.

While at college, he studied chemistry, which was his main subject. He also took classes in physics and math. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Washington and Jefferson College in 1950.

Becoming a Scientist

After college, Walter wanted to work in the science industry. However, he soon realized that black professionals faced extra challenges. This made him decide to continue his education even further. He briefly attended Howard University.

In 1956, Walter Cooper made history. He became the first African-American to earn a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Rochester. He often explained why he chose this path: "I became a scientist because I didn't see any black scientists. I saw black doctors and lawyers, but no black scientists. I took that as a challenge."

Walter Cooper's Career in Science

Working at Eastman Kodak

In 1956, Walter Cooper was hired by Eastman Kodak as a research scientist. He started as a research chemist and slowly moved up to higher positions. He became a senior research chemist, then a research associate, and finally a technical associate.

In 1985, he became the manager of the office of technical communications. This meant he was in charge of all the scientific papers and reports from 2,300 scientists and researchers. He also managed the Office of Research Innovation. During his time at Kodak, Walter wrote many important scientific papers and held three patents (which protect new inventions). He retired from Eastman Kodak in 1986.

Serving the State of New York

In 1988, Walter Cooper was chosen to be part of the Board of Regents for New York State. This board helps oversee education in the state. He left the board in 2003 and became a "regent emeritus," which means he was given an honorary title for his past service.

Walter Cooper's Civil Rights Work

Helping Rochester, New York

Walter Cooper was very involved in helping his community and fighting for civil rights. He especially focused on making sure everyone had good educational opportunities. Rochester faced many social problems, including the 1964 Rochester Race Riots.

Walter served as the president of the Rochester branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1965, he also helped start the Rochester branch of the Urban League, and he stayed on its board of directors into the 1970s. He was also a board member of the Baden Street Settlement, a group that helps people in northeast Rochester improve their lives.

When the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was passed, Walter took time off from Eastman Kodak. He helped create an anti-poverty organization in Rochester called Action for a Better Community, Inc. (ABC). He worked as an associate director for two years, then became the executive director. This organization started a local version of the national Head Start Program, which helps young children from low-income families get ready for school. They also created other aid programs.

Connecting with Mali

In 1975, Walter Cooper helped create a "Sister City" program between Rochester and Bamako, the capital city of Mali in Africa. Through this program, he worked with Rochester Institute of Technology to create scholarships for students from Bamako to study in Rochester. Because of his important work, he was named a "Knight of the National Order of Mali" in 1981. This is a very high honor in Mali.

Walter Cooper's Family Life

Walter Cooper's wife, Helen, was also a scientist. She worked for Kodak before he did. Helen passed away in January 2005. They had two adult sons.

Recognizing Walter Cooper's Achievements

Walter Cooper has received many honors for his hard work and dedication:

• In 1975, he was elected to the board of trustees at Washington & Jefferson College, his old college.
• In 2005, SUNY Geneseo gave him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
• In 2008, the University of Rochester awarded him the Frederick Douglass Medal. This was to recognize his lifelong work in civil rights.
• His important papers and documents are kept safe at the University of Rochester.
• In 2010, Rochester City School number 10 was renamed the Dr. Walter Cooper Academy School #10 in his honor. This school focuses on research and interactive learning, which are teaching methods Walter promoted.
• In 2020, Washington & Jefferson College renamed one of their first-year dorms, Beau Hall, to Cooper Hall to honor him.