Remembering Becky T. Kerns

Becky T. Kerns

July 16, 1926 — September 28, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Becky T. Kerns at age 100, on September 28, 2026.

Becky was born in Hollidaysburg, PA. A chemistry major earning a BA at Seton Hill College, Becky taught as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA, before earning a MS in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh.

Becky next accepted a position as a Research Information Specialist with Dow Corning, Midland, MI, before beginning a 32-year career with the Electronic Component Processes Department at Bell Telephone Laboratories at Murray Hill. In 1961, shortly after arriving at Bell Labs, Becky was a member of the technical team that demonstrated the first successful method to electroplate silver on the waveguides of Telstar, the first communication satellite. Becky also developed a process from solutions on substrate for miniaturized devices and oversaw the assembly of experimental models of carbon surge protectors. Also to Becky’s credit were the visual inspection technology for binocular microscopes and the first ISO certification of a Bell Labs’s electronic device. Lloyds of London examined and approved the initial submission.

In 1985 Becky was named a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, an honor reserved for employees with a record of technological innovation at Bell Laboratories. In 2008 Becky received the Seton Hill University Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award having demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in the area of science.

Outside of the lab Becky was involved in Affirmative Action and encouraged young women to pursue careers in science. Becky served for 25+ years as a volunteer at Overlook Hospital. Becky was also a long-time member of AAUW Summit College Club. For over 50 years she was a dedicated contributor to SCC’s work and mission. She also served as president from 1994 to 1996. Even as Becky became less active in College Club, she remained interested in SCC’s contributions to education.

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For those who are interested, donations to Becky’s memory may be made as follows:

The Becky Kerns ’48 Endowed Scholarship at Seton Hill University in PA. Make contributions payable to Seton Hill University and sent to the address below, or donate online at: https://alumni.setonhill.edu/g/kerns-endowed

Seton Hill University

1 Seton Hill Drive

Greensburg, PA 15601-1599