C.T. Elvey (1899-1970)

Abstract

The death of Dr. C.T. Elvey occurred in Tucson, Arizona, on 25 March 1970. He was Director of the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska from 1952 to 1963, Vice-President for Research and Advanced Study from 1961 to 1963, and University Research Professor and Special Assistant to the President from 1963 until his retirement in 1967. ... Dr. Elvey moved to Alaska in 1952 to become Head of the Department of Geophysics and Director of the Geophysical Institute. He personally undertook a study of the morphology of the aurora, contributed to the design of an all-sky camera for the IGY, and formulated a unifying policy for the Institute based on the theme of 'particle bombardment of the atmosphere'. ... His research proposal of 1958 for conjugate point studies proved to be a far-sighted suggestion which gave the Institute a handsome lead in this field; such studies are still in progress at the Institute, though in more elaborate forms today than Chris originally envisioned. In 1961 he created the Advisory Committee which has been influential in determining broad (scientific and other) policies of the Institute over the years. ... The rise of the Geophysical Institute from a small and rather unsettled group early in the 1950's to its position of prominence in high latitude research in the 1960's is surely its own indisputable testimony to effective leadership and scientific direction during the intervening decade. He came to Alaska with a distinguished career already behind him, yet he carved a new career in the far North. Chris Elvey will be missed by his colleagues round the world, by the many friends he made in Alaska and especially by those of us who came to know him - and the integrity he stood for - so well.