Halvorson, H. Orin (Halvor Orin), 1897-1975

H. Orin Halvorson (1897-1975) received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering (1921) and a Ch.E. degree (1922) from the University of Minnesota. He continued graduate work in Bacteriology at Minnesota, receiving the Ph.D. in 1928, and remaining as a member of the Bacteriology faculty until 1949, becoming Director of the Hormel Institute there in 1943. In 1949, Dr. Halvorson was appointed head of the Bacteriology Department at the University of Illinois, and when the School of Life Sciences opened there in 1959, he was its first Director. He retired in 1965, returning to Minnesota as a Research Professor. Dr. Halvorson's service to the American Society for Microbiology was extensive: he served as President of the Society of American Bacteriologists (now American Society for Microbiology) in 1955; was the first Chairman of the Board of Governors of the American Academy of Microbiology (1955-58); and first Chairman of the American Board of Microbiology (1958-65). He also served on the Committee for Guidance in Training for Microbiology, conducting site visits and providing evaluations for the Microbiology programs at a number of universities. He was elected to Honorary Membership, the Society's highest honor, in 1969.

From the description of H. Orin Halvorson Papers, 1953-1971 (UMBC). WorldCat record id: 491354557