On a cold and grey fall day last week I made the drive to Madison to attend Howard Bremer’s funeral. By now, most of you have read or written one of the testimonials about Howard since his passing. Anyone who knew him immediately came to admire and respect him for the exceptional work he has done for the field of technology transfer and for AUTM. Howard was a remarkable man, in every possible way. While we remember him as a pioneer in his field, he was giving his same humble dedication to every aspect of his life.
He and his wife, Caryl, were founders of their church 54 years ago. And it was only eight years ago when the priest of that same church learned that Howard wasn’t even catholic. That was an insignificant fact for Howard. Where he saw help was needed, he gave of it willingly and happily and certainly wasn’t going to let much stand in his way. He was a longtime volunteer in his children’s schools, serving on the high school advisory board and as a PTA president. If Howard believed in something, you were assured his lifelong dedication to the cause. Even though we only saw the business side of Howard Bremer, it comes as no surprise that he was a pioneer in everything he did. Howard was everything a good person should be—kind, dedicated, unassuming, and a true gentleman. Howard, you will be missed by so many.
Howard’s legacy will live on. AUTM started the Howard Bremer Scholarships in 2002 to support students and professionals new to the technology transfer field. Since its inception AUTM has funded these scholarships from its operating account. During Howard’s last days, the WARF Board of Directors decided to donate $53,000 to AUTM to support the scholarship. The $53,000 amount was chosen in recognition of the 53 years Howard worked for WARF. AUTM is grateful for WARF’s generosity and our Board of Directors has setup a fund for the donation so that it can be used as a 50/50 match to support the scholarship.
Howard worked tirelessly for us all. In fact, he came to work every day up until just a few weeks before he passed. Howard never asked for much in return, but I think he would be very happy to know that generations of future technology transfer professionals will benefit from the same support and advice he always gave so willingly and with that Wisconsin warmth.