Obituary

Professor Clibas Vieira

1927 - 2004

On October 14, 2004, Professor Clibas Vieira, a great scientist, excellent agronomist and eminent educator, passed away at the age of 77 years. His trajectory is an example for young scientists and professors. Born in the city of São Paulo in 1927, he lived in Viçosa, MG, teaching at the Federal University of Viçosa from the 1950s until the last moments of his life. As a plant breeder, Dr. Vieira enriched Brazil with the best varieties of dry beans that are currently consumed throughout the country. He dedicated himself to this noble mission until the last days of his life. The latest edition of the journal Ceres was his last work. He dedicated himself persistently to this journal for 30 years, elevating it to the level of the best publication in its field, with national recognition. In 1967, Clibas Vieira took on the mission of creating, organizing, and defining the basis of the graduate school programs in Viçosa, which is now one of the most successful centers of study in all Latin America. After 40 years of serving the University of Viçosa, he placed his educative experience in his highly regarded book: “O Feijão e eu: Memórias de um ex-aluno da ESAV (The bean and I: Memories of an ex-student of the Superior School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine of Viçosa)”. Professor Vieira prepared various generations of Masters and Doctors (Ph.D.) in Brazil and in Africa. Various of his students have high-level positions in their countries, such as Agricultural Ministers and University Presidents. The author of hundreds of articles, and educator of generations of agronomists, Clibas Vieira leaves our hearts with a sense of sadness because of his passing; but his memory will continue alive forever with us, through his wife, his children, his friends, and the hundreds of agronomists that he helped to educate.

Copyright © 2004 by FUNPEC