Paul Hiemenz ’58 never forgot where his journey began. Decades after his days as a chemistry student at what was then the all-male Loyola University, and a lifetime spent teaching and mentoring others, he chose to make a final — and most generous — gift to the university that first sparked his love of science: a $5.8 million bequest to support scholarships at LMU Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering.
A proud Loyola graduate, Hiemenz went on to lead a highly distinguished career as a chemistry professor at Cal Poly Pomona, where he inspired generations of students as a beloved instructor and mentor for 35 years. His passion for STEM education, however, extended well beyond the classroom: Hiemenz was lauded for founding Cal Poly Pomona’s Science Educational Enhancement Services (SEES) in 1987, which works to increase access to STEM by the university’s underserved students. He also established the Paul C. Hiemenz Award, given annually to an outstanding SEES student.
Upon Hiemenz’s passing in 2023, Loyola Marymount University received the transformational gift that affirmed just how profoundly Hiemenz’s undergraduate experience shaped his life. Valued as one of the largest gift’s in Seaver’s history, his bequest further benefits the Dr. Paul C. Hiemenz Endowed Scholarship Fund, which he established in 2015 to support Seaver students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and financial need.
“Paul Hiemenz exemplifies the excellence and values that define an LMU STEM education,” said Tina Choe, dean of Seaver College. “His care and commitment to others reflect LMU’s Catholic mission and values of service and leadership. I am deeply grateful that Paul chose to honor his alma mater in this extraordinary way, and I look forward to the impact his generosity will have on future generations of Seaver students.”
The Hiemenz scholarship has already made a difference for students like Matthew DuBois ’26, a physics major. “Having this scholarship means that I can take a bit of work off of my Dad’s back, which means so much to me and our family,” DuBois shared. “It feels good to know that the work that I’m doing and the effort I’m putting into my studies are being recognized through this scholarship, and I thank [Dr. Hiemenz] for supporting my future.”
Hiemenz generously gifted two properties to LMU as part of his bequest. His cousin and trustee of his estate, Susan Mullaly, was instrumental in both administering the estate quickly and ensuring that Hiemenz’s tenants of more than 30 years were able to purchase the rental property they made a home.
A Passion for Chemistry
The lifelong passion for chemistry that fueled Hiemenz’s career did indeed begin at LMU. When he was inducted into Seaver College’s Alumni Wall of Fame in 2003, he credited Professor Joseph Schwartz, a member of the chemistry and biochemistry department, as a formative influence. “He instilled enthusiasm for physical chemistry,” Hiemenz wrote on his Wall of Fame survey form. “By inviting me to give a talk on my research interest, [he] launched me on a track that resulted in my writing two (highly successful!) textbooks.” Those textbooks, still used today, are “Polymer Chemistry” and “Principles of Colloid and Surface Chemistry.”
Among the cherished items Hiemenz left behind following his passing was the commemorative glass award he received with his induction, along with his collection of yearbooks. The keepsakes were returned to the university by Dr. Marcia Albert, a retired professor, education specialist, and longtime colleague and protegee who worked alongside Hiemenz at Cal Poly Pomona. Albert was also the director of LMU’s Learning Resource Center for 10 years. The memorabilia will most likely reside with the dean’s office at Seaver College.
A Beloved Friend and Mentor to Many
Although Hiemenz never married or had children, his chosen family — including his students, colleagues, friends, and relatives — was expansive. Albert fondly considers Hiemenz a part of her family as well — he stood at her side during her cancer treatments and gave her away at her wedding.
Hiemenz and Albert met while she was working as an academic liaison at Cal Poly Pomona. “He so wanted to help increase the number of students of color pursuing careers in STEM,” Albert said. “To that end, he emphasized the effectiveness of small collaborative learning groups, where peers could help peers. You find ways to facilitate their learning process. Paul used to call it the three Cs: community, content, and communication. He understood that real learning happens through relationships.”
Today, nearly four decades after its founding, SEES continues to thrive, inspired by Hiemenz’s vision. The annual Hiemenz Award remains a cornerstone of the program, which has served as a model for other student success initiatives at Cal Poly Pomona. Hiemenz himself continued to support the program long after his retirement in 1999, attending events, staying in touch with students, and helping connect them to professional opportunities. Over the years, hundreds of students have testified to the impact — sometimes life-changing — that Hiemenz had on their studies, careers, and self-confidence. Following Hiemenz’s passing, Dr. Steve Alas, the current SEES director and a former student in the program, described him as a father figure.
“Paul had a strong religious education, having graduated from St. Ignatius of Loyola elementary school and Cathedral High School before coming to LMU, and it shaped his convictions,” Albert reflected. “He loved LMU for its values, its diversity, and the quality of its education.”
Hiemenz’s legacy now continues to live on in every student supported by the Dr. Paul C. Hiemenz Endowed Scholarship Fund, as well as Cal Poly Pomona’s SEES program — proof that an educator’s impact can endure for generations.
If you’d like to support the success of LMU’s STEM students, make a gift, or contact Grace Delgado, senior director of development, at [email protected].