Employees Hear Lederman Appointment
Hundreds of Fermilab employees and visitors were the first to hear the announcement that physicist-professor Leon Lederman will be Fermilab's next director.
Acting Director Philip V. Livdahl made the announcement Thursday, October 19. The occasion was the first Director's meeting since he assumed the post July 17. The gathering in the Fermilab auditorium also featured an informal tribute to outgoing director R. R. Wilson.
Livdahl announced that Dr. Wilson, Laboratory director from the facility's creation in 1967 to Feb. 9, 1978, will retain Fermilab ties. It was announced that the former director will work on the Energy Doubler/Saver project while holding the Peter B. Ritzma Professorship at the University of Chicago.
On behalf of Fermilab colleagues, Livdahl presented several items to Dr. Wilson. They included; a Laboratory identification card bearing payroll No. 1; and for Dr. Wilson's Doubler work, a set of knee pads, welding gloves and a yellow plastic hard hat labeled "boss."
He said he will carry his new card "with great honor." About the director-designate and acting director, he said, "I am happy we have a great team. They put together strengths in technology, accelerators and administration.
"Leon Lederman," Wilson said, "is the strongest physicist to make use of our facility. This was demonstrated by his great discovery (the new Upsilon particle announced in 1977).
"I can't think of a stronger team to administer this laboratory than Phil and Leon," he said of the new leadership. "That's a great joy and a delight for me. I am happy and flattered to be succeeded in such a strong manner.
"With this kind of direction, I have not the slightest doubt that this Laboratory will go on to become an even stronger place where magnificent discoveries will be made in the future."
After his remarks. Dr. Wilson received a photo album from the Administrative Division containing pictures taken at a dinner-dance.
