PULLMAN, Wash. — The composite manufacturing laboratory in the Washington State University Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory was named for Thomas M. Maloney, WMEL director emeritus and professor emeritus, during a recent ceremony.
The April 11 event was part of the annual International Wood Composites Symposium attended by more than 300 wood materials scientists and engineers from around the world.
Speaking to a crowd of 100 colleagues, former students and friends, Maloney said he was deeply gratified by the honor and proud of the record of contributions made by the laboratory during his four decades of involvement.
“But the real reward,” he said, “is the kind that comes to any educator, whether it is kindergarten or graduate level, and that is to witness the personal growth and accomplishments of your students. I’ve been privileged to know many who are now leaders in the wood products industry.”
“Tom Maloney epitomizes the WSU ideal of ‘World Class. Face to Face.’ He is an international icon in wood composite materials development, yet he always finds time for personal interaction with students and others,” said WMEL Director Don Bender at the laboratory dedication.
Maloney was director of the wood laboratory from 1972 to 1996. He led research and development in wood composites for more than four decades and strengthened the laboratory’s international programs. He also expanded research in the laboratory from its early years specializing in composite products that increase efficient use of forest resources to work in adhesives and wood engineering. Maloney started the annual international wood composites symposium and oversaw construction of new laboratory facilities, completed in 1988.
Maloney has been honored with a Forest Industries annual award (1988), Washington State University’s Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service (1983), and the National Continuing Education Association Division of Conference and Institutes’ Faculty Service Award (1994). He was also elected to the International Academy of Wood Scientists, and received WSU’s Alumni Achievement Award in 1999. Maloney was recently recognized with a distinguished service award from the International Society of Wood Science and Technology for his work in wood science and technology. The award is the organization’s top award and recognizes extraordinary career contributions to the wood science and technology profession. He is the author of “Modern Particleboard and Dry-Process Fiberboard Manufacturing” which is used throughout the world.
