Assistant Professor of Chemistry Nabi Magomedov died Tuesday in an automobile accident on the New York State Thruway. Also killed in the crash were Magomedov’s wife, Natalya Shcherbinina, and their three-year-old son Amir Magomedov.
The accident occurred in Harriman, NY after a tractor-trailer truck crossed the road’s meridian and struck Magomedov’s car head-on.
Magomedov, a graduate of St. Petersburg University in Russia, completed his Ph.D. at the Ohio State University before joining UR in 2002.
In his early research, Magomedov focused on synthetic Organic Chemistry, working at Ohio State and at Harvard University for his postdoctorate work. His excellence in research earned him both the Amgen New Faculty Award and the Research Corporation’s Research Innovation Award.
“This is a true loss for the department as well as for his colleagues in organic chemistry across the country,” Department of Chemistry chairman Robert K. Boeckman Jr. said. “Magomedov had made significant contributions in his career at the University, and we’ll all miss his creative insights and his drive to excel.”Sigma Chi donates money raised from Derby DaysOn Friday, Sigma Chi Fraternity presented their proceeds from their annual Derby Days to the Golisano Children’s Hospital – a check for $2,017.83.
“This is definitely the kind of event and contribution we like to see,” Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Monica Smalls said. “Not just the money but also the time that SC has put into this effort.”
Derby Days is an annual event where female students form teams with their sororities, sports teams or friends and compete for a week by raising donations in various events. Eighteen teams competed this year, and the winning team – the Bayside Tigers, under captain and SC Sweetheart Kat Abjuela – was responsible for over half of the money raised. Members of the team were presented with medals and a trophy at the ceremony.
The second place team – Delta Gamma Sorority – and the third place team – the women’s swim team – were also recognized.
“I think this represents one of the best elements of Greek life,” Vice President and General Secretary Paul Burgett said. “It is good citizenship practiced by a great community of students.”
Derby Days took place from Oct. 3 to Oct. 8. Some of the events that it included were a scavenger hunt and a date auction where Chaplain and SC Advisor Father Brian Cool allowed his dog to be auctioned off for $90.
“I’m thrilled that fraternities will have more visibility,” Dean of Students Jody Asbury said. “We’re going to help them to do this. They have been doing this for years, and hopefully the new Expectations of Excellence will allow for more visibility.”
Derby Days is a long standing national tradition of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Last year the fraternity donated over $3,000 to the Golisano Children’s Hospital.
In the future, the fraternity hopes to expand its philanthropic efforts to allow for greater donations to worthy causes.
“We are looking forward to beating that number next year,” Derby Days Chair and senior Pat Zinter said.Reporting by Matt Majarian and Emily Paret.
