James R. Von Ehr II, '73 (computer science), founder, chairman and CEO of Zyvex Corp., the world's first molecular nanotechnology company, was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award by the MSU Alumni Association (MSUAA) on Thursday, October 14. The highest award bestowed by the MSUAA, the Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to MSU graduates who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and who have achieved the highest level of professional accomplishment including special honors or recognition and who demonstrate personal integrity and character.

One of the nation's leaders in nanotechnology, Von Ehr made a personal contribution of $3.5 million to establish the University of Texas NanoTech Institute, Dallas, where he has also endowed the James Von Ehr Distinguished Chair of Science and Technology. He was instrumental in the passing of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act and was in the Oval Office when President Bush signed the bill into law in 2003. He serves on the U.S. President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Before founding Zyvex in 1997, Von Ehr was founder, president, chairman and CEO of Altsys Corp., which developed FreeHand and Fontographer, the first commercially available postscript-drawing program. He has lectured widely on several continents and remains a member of the Senatorial Trust--a small group of business and political leaders named by the U.S. Senate to meet regularly with the highest-ranking members of the government, such as the President and Senators.