Noted UNM Physics and Astronomy professor Victor Regener dies

Victor H. Regener, born August 25, 1913, in Berlin, Germany, died on January 20, 2006, in Tampa, Florida. His father was a Professor of Physics at Stuttgart University, and Victor completed his doctoral degree in Engineering Physics at the Institute of Technology, in Stuttgart, in 1938. He left Germany that same year because of the rise of the Nazi regime, first taking a two-year research position in Italy at the University of Padua, and then teaching at the University of Chicago.

Photo: Dr. Victor H. Regener

In 1946, he came to the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico, serving as Department Chair from 1947-57, and again from 1962-79. In 1960, he was the first faculty scholar to deliver the Annual UNM Research Lecture. He built Capilla Peak Observatory in the Manzano Mountains, and was also responsible for designing a major addition to the original Physics and Astronomy building, as well as the lecture hall and lab building which was named Regener Hall in his honor.

He was a brilliant scientist in a wide range of fields, and an outstanding teacher and mentor. When he retired in 1979, he was awarded the UNM Regents' Meritorious Service Medal, which included a dedication penned by author Tony Hillerman.

Dr. Regener is survived by his wife Birgit, son Eric, his daughter Vivian, her spouse Richard Rose, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. There will be a memorial service in Albuquerque at the Monte Vista Christian Church, 3501 Campus Drive N.E., on Saturday, Jan. 28, beginning at 10 a.m.

A reception will be held immediately following the service in the lobby of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, located on the northeast corner of Yale and Lomas Blvds.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Victor H. Regener Memorial Fund, c/o the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, 800 Yale Blvd NE, MSC 07 4220, Albuquerque, NM 87131.