Former ag dean, food scientist, Liska dies
Former Dean of Agriculture Bernard J. "Bernie" Liska helped
start a new department and strengthened basic sciences while he headed
the school from 1980 to 1985. He died Nov. 11 in Houston at age 71
after being in failing health for some time.
"One of his contributions, if not the greatest, was to strengthen
the overall science component of agriculture at Purdue," says
Bill Baumgardt, professor emeritus of animal sciences.
Liska joined the Purdue faculty in 1959 as an assistant professor
of food science.
Liska He was named director of the newly formed Food Science Institute in
1968 and became director of the Agriculture Experiment Station in 1975 and
dean in 1980.
"As dean of agriculture, Bernie played a significant role in
the formation of the Department of Food Science in 1983," says
Philip Nelson, current department head.
"After returning to the department in 1985, he continued to be
a great leader as a teacher of our undergraduate courses. He was a
mentor to faculty members, a great resource not only to the department
but also to the industry worldwide. He was a good friend whom I used
as a sounding board many times."
"Liska was a visionary leader," says Victor Lechtenberg,
current dean of Purdue agriculture. "He helped identify high-priority
programs and focus resources in necessary areas. He helped the School
of Agriculture prepare for a rapidly changing future."
Liska is survived by his wife, Donna, who now resides in Houston,
two daughters, Cheryl Coleman and Julie Esperson and six grandchildren.
