Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs Honored GIDP Faculty Herbert E. Carter led the way to a metamorphosis in scholarship and research at The University of Arizona three decades ago. He recognized that the processes and systems underlying individual disciplines seemed to be remarkably similar and interdependent. Dr. Carter concluded that what lies in between disciplines--the area of interdisciplinarity--is where future developments, novel discoveries, and newly invigorated training programs would flourish. Soon after his arrival in Tucson in 1971, Dr. Carter began to assemble faculty from various departments and disciplines into a new organizational paradigm that eventually emerged as the Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs at The University of Arizona. He thus became the Founding Director of the GIDPs, even though at the time this title had not yet been recognized. Since then, Dr. Carter has provided all succeeding leaders of the GIDPs, in both administration and in the individual Programs, with the enthusiasm, vigor, commitment and conviction that have been rooted in his stellar career. Dr. Carter’s achievements in the national and international arenas of higher education and research clearly reflect his intellect, thinking and passion for science and education. His service on prestigious National boards is beyond compare, as are his numerous prizes and accolades from his colleagues. Herbert Carter has even had a mountain ridge named after him, in Antarctica, in recognition of his service as Chairman of the National Science Board. Herbert E. Carter truly exemplifies the spirit and passion of interdisciplinarity in higher education, and we are so fortunate to have him as the Founding Director of our GIDP system.