2022 Awardees
Professor Emerita Laura K. Dillon—Faculty Emeriti Award
Dedicated educators who love what they do are precious. Dedicated educators who continue their work into retirement are priceless. Professor Emeritus Laura K. Dillon, Ph.D. is devoted to the mission of expanding diversity in the College of Engineering’s Computer Science program and is active as a mentor of students and faculty to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. This year, MSU’s Faculty Emeriti Association honors Dr. Laura K. Dillon with the award for Outstanding Contributions by an Individual in 2023.
Dr. Dillon’s commitment to women, girls, and underrepresented people motivates her to lead programs which welcome and encourage learning in the field of computer science. Since her retirement in 2019, Dr. Dillon volunteered countless hours serving as a faculty advisor, supervisor and mentor to MSU students and 6th-12th grade kids in the Lansing area. She is passionate about increasing the diversity in computing fields and runs “women in coding programs” on Saturdays. This program promotes the field of computer science by involving young girls in fun coding activities with their peers. The coding program at MSU increased from one cohort of 15-20 to six cohorts of 15-20 girls all being taught at the same time, nationally and internationally, every Saturday morning. This progress would have been impossible without Dr. Dillon’s leadership and hard work.
This year at MSU she agreed to conduct an independent study for a student repeating a capstone class who needed accommodation to complete her degree amidst difficult personal circumstances. Dr. Dillon’s support is the embodiment of MSU’s strategic planning goal to eliminate opportunity gaps to ensure students can graduate.
A change leader, she is active in the National Council for Women in IT (NCWIT) Academic Alliance which advances innovation by under representation in computing. She serves as consultant for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) which is an accrediting organization for colleges and universities in computer science. She is the lead faculty for the Center of Inclusive Computing grant and is involved in national programs to help expose more women to pursue computing careers. Dr. Dillon volunteers to help run MSU’s High School Co-ed programming competition each year. She is the lead organizer for the statewide Aspirations in Computing High School competition-Michigan affiliate.
Educator, advocate, mentor and volunteer. Dr. Dillon does it all. MSU is fortunate to have Professor Emerita Laura K. Dillon, Ph.D. as a leader in our community.
Professor Emeritus Tim Mrozowski
At MSU, those who can do it all, teach. Professor Emeritus Tim Mrozowski is an architect, educator, policy maker and small business owner. His commitment to teaching, sustainable energy design, and excellence in construction management are among the reasons the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association to recognize him with the award for Outstanding Contributions by an Individual in 2023.
Professor Mrozowski retired in 2018 as Construction Management Program Director and Professor from the School of Planning Design and Construction, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University after 37 years as a faculty member. His primary teaching areas included construction contracts, structural design, commercial construction assemblies, materials and methods, sustainable projects and commercial capstone. During his career he developed and taught over 25 different course subjects. From 1998-2018 he was responsible for program accreditation through the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). While at MSU he developed the Michigan Uniform Energy Code Training and Implementation Project (MECTIP) and served as its director from 2003-2018. MECTIP developed and delivered curriculum and training programs on energy codes for building officials, architects, engineers, contractors and suppliers throughout Michigan.
Professor Mrozowski continues to teach at MSU using examples from his sole-proprietor architectural practice in East Lansing. He regularly uses his knowledge of federal and state energy code to guide the MSU Industrial Assessment Center students on envelope solutions and in professional presentations to share his knowledge with his colleagues. When the pandemic hit in 2020, he seamlessly transitioned his courses to virtual instruction demonstrating his ability to adapt and create sustainable education experiences along with sustainable energy code development.
He remains active in service to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Michigan Energy Codes Collaborative. In 2022 he completed work as a subcontractor on a 2022 grant funded by State of Michigan EGLE entitled “Michigan Energy Code Collateral Materials to Improve Compliance.” An expert in his field, he literally wrote the book on Michigan energy codes. Professional Mrozowski is a sought-after consultant, presenter, trainer and mentor. His excellence brings recognition, opportunity, and innovation to MSU. His support of educators and colleagues in the interpretation and application of Michigan energy and construction code is an amazing resource he generously shares for the safety and benefit of the entire community.
2021 Awardee
Professor Emeritus William A. Anderson
By Emma Kolakowski April 19, 2022
Professor Emeritus William A. Anderson
The Faculty Emeriti Awards honor faculty members who have made notable contributions to a university unit while in retirement, as well as units that have made opportunities available for retired faculty to remain involved. The individual award acknowledges substantial contributions made by an emeritus/emerita of the university and this year, the Faculty Emeriti Association honors Dr. William A. Anderson with its individual award.
Dr. Anderson served in the College of Human Medicine until 2016, but agreed to continue to assist in the tenure mentoring program. In the years since Anderson’s retirement, the program has grown to include around thirty junior faculty members. He also participates in the annual reviews for Department Chairs within the College of Human Medicine. Despite having retired, Dr. Anderson continued to support these two efforts to allow for smooth transitions and therefore more benefit to the faculty served.
Now that the program is well established, Dr. Anderson will be stepping down from his work directing the tenure mentoring program to fully enjoy retirement. He will continue to serve as a mentor for the Center of Excellence for Diversity in Medical Education Grant, which is directed by Human Medicine’s Dr. Wanda Lipscomb. The grant seeks to help students who are traditionally underrepresented in the medical fields to enroll and graduate, as well as supporting underrepresented faculty, in order to improve health services for diverse populations.
Michigan State University thanks Dr. Anderson for his continued intellectual and interpersonal contributions to the university community. The presence of such an individual is proof that being a member of the Spartan family is lifelong. The Outstanding Contributions by An Individual Faculty Emeritus Award will be presented to Dr. Anderson at the College of Human Medicine’s spring faculty meeting.
No awards were presented in 2021
2019-2020 Awardees
By Erica Venton April 13, 2020
Patrick McConeghy
Dr. McConeghy continues to make substantial contributions to the German Studies program since his retirement in 2013. He has enriched the intellectual life of the program, always eager to discuss current events, cultural debates, or recently published novels. He has served as an invaluable mentor for new faculty members and graduate students. He offers sage and measured advice, providing valuable institutional history and administrative context for colleagues navigating the complex inner-workings at program, department, college, and university levels. He meets on an individual basis with faculty and students to discuss their research projects, giving productive feedback on drafts of articles and book chapters, grant applications, and reappointment, tenure, and promotion dossiers. A kind and generous person, he also offers incredible emotional support and good humor in addition to intellectual and professional support. He is a regular fixture at events – both academic and social – in the German Studies program. Beyond MSU, he regularly provides feedback as a reviewer for journal articles and research projects. He continues to write and publish, both in new research areas. He has continued to be a regular presence in all aspects of the German program, attending symposia, Graduate Colloquium, and presentations by guests, colleagues and, students in the program. He has generously helped welcome guest professors into the academic community and supported them while at MSU. He gladly accepts invitations to give guest lectures in the undergraduate courses in his areas of expertise.
Professor McConeghy has been a mentor for colleagues at all career levels and graduate students, helping them effectively advocate for themselves and the program. Thanks partly to his support and mentorship, two faculty members have been promoted and granted tenure, and he has helped mid-career faculty prepare for leadership roles. Their publications (monographs, edited volumes, articles and book chapters) and their grants have benefited from Prof. McConeghy’s feedback. He supports graduate students, serving on their committees and helping them consider various career paths.
Ida Stockman
For her many contributions to the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders and the College of Communication Arts & Sciences, the Faculty Emeriti Association presents an FEA Award to Dr. Ida Stockman.
A lifetime of dedication to higher education, scholarship and profession continued after Dr. Stockman’s retirement in 2007. She demonstrated a strong commitment to driving new knowledge in her discipline and had published more than 200 scholarly works across four decades when she retired. Post-retirement she has published more than a dozen articles in the most prestigious journals in her discipline, frequently as the lead or solo author. She has continued to review journal articles. She spent much of her career conducting research that would benefit children from racial and ethnic minorities who are challenged with communicative disorders. In honor of her parents, who had been educators, she established an endowment in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences to support faculty research, guest lectures and professional development activities surrounding autism and diverse populations. She set up this funding to celebrate her peers and to buoy work in support of initiatives that would empower vulnerable populations.
Her impact and effectiveness are also mirrored in the success of the junior faculty whom she has mentored–-Dr. Laura Dilley and Dr. Soo-Eun Cheng, both prolific researchers. She also continued to serve as a senior-level member of the Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure Committee, worked with the dean in helping to shape the trajectory of the department, assisted with teaching when needed, and supported a new department chair.
Another of her legacies is the re-emergence of the Communicative Sciences and Disorders Department after it went through a difficult period. It was under a microscope by MSU administrators because there were perceptions that faculty underperformed in research and grants activity. Dr. Stockman, together with her colleagues, moved boldly against a tide vis-a-vis a devotion to research and the hiring of new faculty determined to stake a claim in the discipline of communicative sciences. She, in her modest persona, equipped with a research agenda, helped rebuild a department that instituted a doctoral program. She served on departmental committees providing invaluable insight that helped tremendously with setting a vision in accordance with high academic standards.
Kenneth Waltzer
For his many contributions to James Madison College, the Center for Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities, and the Serling Program for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel, the Faculty Emeriti Association presents an FEA Individual Award to Professor Emeritus Kenneth Waltzer.
Dr. Waltzer’s remarkable contributions during his 43-year tenure at MSU have been followed by his invaluable and robust contributions after retirement. He continues to be an active and invaluable member of the intellectual community of the Serling Institute, promoting the research of colleagues and students while carrying on a robust research agenda centering on Holocaust Studies. He has been especially invaluable to MSU in promoting diversity and inclusion through his work helping the MSU community deal with rising antisemitism, Islamaphobia and white supremacy.
He participates in all areas of Institute life, from the development of curriculum to its broader vision as a center of research and teaching about Jewish culture and history. He attends all faculty meetings and serves on the Institute’s Board of Advisors. Professor Waltzer has participated in numerous research seminars and the First Annual Jewish Studies Undergraduate Research Conference, where he gave valuable input to the students presenting. He continues to mentor faculty and students.
He has had an enormous impact on conversations around diversity and inclusion, reaching hundreds in teach-ins including “Building Community, Resisting Hate” in the wake of Richard Spencer’s visit to MSU, and one after the Pittsburgh Synagogue Attack. He also spoke to 140 campus Residential Advisers in a training workshop on identifying and reporting instances of antisemitism. He has trained students in research methods regarding the Holocaust and genocide, and in how to access and use the Visual History available through the MSU library.
Dr. Waltzer solicited funds upon his retirement to establish an endowment in the Serling Institute to support faculty research and one in James Madison College to recognize faculty who have exemplified excellence in teaching.
2018-2019 Awardees
Outstanding Contributions by an Academic or Support Unit for Creating Opportunities for Faculty Emeriti
AgeAlive: An Initiative to Advance Lifelong Wellness and Quality of Life with Particular Attention to Seniors
AgeAlive has become a vital force at MSU in a short time. It seeks to enhance the University’s relationship with and support for older citizens, including retired MSU faculty and staff members. It is housed in Family and Community Medicine in the College of Osteopathic Medicine under the leadership of Dr. Clare Luz with additional support from the MSU Worklife Office. It emerged from a grassroots effort to coordinate and develop synergy among the many research, educational and service initiatives at MSU related to aging and older populations. The AgeAlive initiative provides support and attention to holistic principles of general health, intergenerational experiences and community engaged partnerships. This is of particular importance as the population of Michigan, and nation, ages and faces the challenges of a new and changing living environment. The AgeAlive initiative’s major achievements to date include creation of an age assets database and general communication of information via websites, list serves, newsletters and annual forums. A key achievement has been becoming part of Age Friendly University (AFU). The AFU is a global network of institutions of higher education that have endorsed the 10 AFU principles and committed themselves to becoming more age friendly in their programs and policies. MSU is an example to its Big Ten colleagues as being on the forefront of Age Alive initiatives within this group of major research universities. The AgeAlive initiative calls attention to five priority areas as dimensions of key cross cutting goals and has aspects of connectivity in an age friendly University: caregiving, retirement pathways, life enrichment, intergenerational experience and community outreach and engagement. This FEA award recognizes the range of programs AgeAlive has underway and the future potential of its dedication to making MSU an age friendly university.
“AgeAlive started as a grassroots effort to catalogue and connect all aging-related initiatives at MSU, and is now a resource for the entire university. Its vision is for MSU to be an Age-Friendly University promoting dignity and wellbeing for all persons, regardless of age, through intergenerational and life enrichment experiences, help for caregivers, meaningful retirement pathways, and community partnerships,” said Clare Luz, PhD, AgeAlive Director, College of Osteopathic Medicine. “Such goals reflect MSU’s land grant values, a commitment to students entering an aging world, and benefit all of us personally and collectively. To quote Roger Baldwin, PhD, MSU Emeritus,’MSU is a stronger, more progressive, and more humane institution because of AgeAlive.’ We are grateful for this recognition.”
Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions in Support of Faculty Emeriti:
John Forsyth
For his outstanding contributions to faculty emeriti, the Faculty Emeriti Association (FEA), and Michigan State University, the FEA Leadership Award is presented to Dr. John Forsyth. Dr. Forsyth has been a member of the FEA steering committee since its inception in 2004 and has continuously served as the Secretary/Treasurer. John Forsyth has also taken on the role of directing the communications of the FEA. John takes care of email outreach regarding upcoming events and answering inquiries about the FEA. As a faculty member from Computer Science and Engineering, John has been an asset in keeping the website (www.facultyemeriti.msu.edu) up to date with upcoming events, meeting minutes, FEA Bylaws, recognition awards, volunteer opportunities, and the oral history project. His expertise related to IT issues and his perseverance to find solutions, continue to keep the FEA moving forward. John is respected by his colleagues due to his formidable contributions coupled with his demeanor which exhibits a well relaxed manner. He is a very intelligent individual realizing the importance of compromise in discussions involving both sides of an issue. The FEA, especially the steering committee, are blessed to have John since he is an asset to both groups. His success as an officer and administrator on the FEA Steering Committee is only one sterling example of his notable MSU career and why he is deserving of the award.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS BY AN INDIVIDUAL FACULTY EMERITUS/EMERITA
Roger Baldwin
Dr. Roger Baldwin officially retired in 2017 and remains very active in the MSU community, using his expertise concerning academic work and faculty careers to make extensive and meaningful contributions. More recently, he has used his research abilities to focus on aspects of academic retirement and the experiences of emeritus faculty. Dr. Baldwin stays connected to his college by serving on dissertation committees in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education Program (HALE) and participating in a speaker series hosted by the Center for Higher and Adult Education in the College of Education.
“Dr. Roger Baldwin is the perfect recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contributions by an Individual Faculty Emeritus. He has a distinguished record of research on dimensions and stages of the academic career, including the later and emeritus stages,”said Ann Austin, Associate Dean, College of Education. “Over the last several years, he has used his extensive insights in service to helping MSU support senior and emeritus academic staff in creative ways that enrich the individual colleagues and the university overall.”
Barbara Sears
Dr. Barbara Sears retired in 2013 from the College of Natural Science. Prior to retirement, she collaborated with Dr. Christoph Benning, Director of the MSU-DOE Research Lab on the molecular biology and genetics of the green algal model, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This collaboration has continued and intensified in her “retirement.” Her intellectual contributions to the algae-focused projects have been invaluable according to Dr. Benning as she is recognized as the “undisputed expert at MSU on the topic of meiotic viability of certain mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.” These mutants affect cell cycle regulation relevant to the control of oil biosynthesis in this alga and have become essential biological tools for our research designed to understand oil synthesis as well as the function of membrane lipids in photosynthesis of microalgae.
2017-2018 Awardees
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS BY AN ACADEMIC OR SUPPORT UNIT FOR CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FACULTY EMERITI
Department of Forestry
For their long term commitment to the involvement of faculty emeriti, the FEA Unit Award is presented to the department of Forestry within the college of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Department consciously seeks to create and maintain a welcoming environment for everyone including Emeriti. Emeriti faculty are assigned office space and are provided administrative support as long as they continue to be engaged in the Department’s mission and community. These investments have realized large returns; the FEA award for Outstanding Contributions by an Individual Faculty Emeritus was presented to Dr. Donald Dickmann in 2016 and Dr. James Kielbaso in 2017, both Department of Forestry Emeriti. A third retiree, Dr. Maureen McDonough, has been a critical member of the team that has been instrumental in linking the Department with talented Detroit high school students who participate in Greening of Detroit, a non-profit focused on urban tree planting and care. This relationship effort has helped the Department increase the enrollment of students of color at MSU from negligible to 15% in about 5 years. Without question, the Department of Forestry is a good example of one that has created and benefited from opportunities for emeriti faculty for years.
LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF FACULTY EMERITI
Pauline Adams
For her outstanding contributions to faculty emeriti, the Faculty Emeriti Association (FEA), and Michigan State University, the FEA Leadership Award is presented to Pauline Adams. Since 2006 until she resigned in 2017, Pauline Adams had a distinguished career as a Faculty Steering Committee member. Her formidable contributions cannot be underestimated. As a non-voting member, she represented our Committee at the Board of Trustees’ meetings and reported their highlights during insightful, informative and humorous reports. On a variety of Committee issues her advice was very astute in our discussions. Her leadership continued with the Oral History Project. She did seventeen interviews with MSU faculty and non-faculty including President Cecil Mackey. The result is a treasure trove of information found in the Oral History archives of the MSU Library. Her legacy on the Steering Committee is only one sterling example of her notable MSU career and deserving of our award.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS BY AN INDIVIDUAL FACULTY EMERITUS/EMERITA
Robert Herner
For his many contributions to the Department of Horticulture and Michigan State University, the Faculty Emeriti Association presents an FEA Individual Award to Professor Robert Herner. Dr. Herner officially retired in 2001; however, he has never retired from MSU or the Department in his heart or his actions. After leading an internationally respected research program in post-harvest physiology and ethylene biology, Dr. Herner chose to remain deeply involved in the Department but in a somewhat different and impactful direction. He saw the needs of students and alumni that regular faculty did not have time to address. He turned those insights into meaningful action and developed a network of alumni as a way to maintain strong connections among each other and to their alma mater. Through this network, they could keep in touch with each other and with the Department, share information and participate in alumni gatherings. Dr. Herner organized alumni events following the Horticulture Club’s annual Spring Show, as well as a fall football tailgate in the teaching greenhouse. He filled an important need in the curriculum as co-instructor of a course and has provided a guest lecture for the senior capstone course for more than a decade. Dr. Herner has been as generous with his financial resources as he has his time. Current professors state that “it is overwhelmingly clear that long after he retired, Dr. Herner has played an integral, generous and inspiring role in the Department of Horticulture, creating new opportunities and venues for our students and alumni. No one has greater commitment to and love for the department and MSU.”
Janver (Jan) D. Krehbiel
For his many contributions to the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) over more than 10 years after retirement, the FEA presents an Individual Award to Dr. Janver (Jan) D. Krehbiel. His impact on the College has been continuous and significant. Since 2007 he has mentored Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students and recent graduates, as well as Deans, Associate Deans and Assistant Deans. Dr. Krehbiel continues to be an active participant in DVM curriculum review and revision and advises the college on accreditation issues. He has chaired search committees for the integral leadership positions within the college and continues to participate in interviews for applicants to the DVM program. His prior experience with the College’s international programs was used in the recent review of these programs. Dr. Krehbiel’s interactions go beyond the MSU-CVM. He was instrumental in linking the CVM Office of Diversity and Inclusion with the Edgewood Village Network Center in East Lansing as part of a National Institute of Health Grant aimed to advance science and math educational experiences of K-4 students. Students from the CVM mentor and deliver the innovative curriculum with the ultimate aim of diversifying the veterinarian-scientist workforce. He remains very active in the American Veterinary Medical Association and is regarded nationally as one of the most experienced educations in VM. He is a valuable resource for the CVM-MSU as the College faces upcoming accreditation for the VT and DVM programs.
Spartan International Advertising Association. He continues to support research activities in the Department, particularly regarding the use of eye tracking equipment in international cross-cultural research. Dr. Miracle has served as mentor for two international Visiting Research Scholars. He will travel to Japan in July 2017 to meet with former students to discuss research and the possibility of establishing the first department of advertising in the country.
2016-17 Awardees
LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF FACULTY EMERITI
Deborah DeZure
For her outstanding contributions to faculty emeriti, the Faculty Emeriti Association (FEA), and Michigan State University the FEA Leadership Award is presented to Dr. Deborah DeZure. Dr. DeZure served as the Assistant Provost for Faculty and Organizational Development from August 2003-July 2016 and now serves as an Advisor to the Provost. During her time at MSU, Dr. DeZure oversaw professional development for all academics which included structuring discussions to help found the Faculty Emeriti Association (FEA) in 2004. Dr. DeZure served as an avid listener and exceptional mentor to the FEA and its members. Through her leadership, the Faculty Emeriti Association has grown and provided a place for retired faculty to continue to engage with the University.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS BY AN INDIVIDUAL FACULTY EMERITUS/EMERITA
Jim Kielbaso
For his many contributions to the Department of Forestry and Michigan State University, the Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA Individual Award to Professor Jim Kielbaso. Since his retirement in 2004, he has maintained an office in the Department and has remained involved in teaching, outreach and scholarly activities, leading special topics courses in ‘Arboriculture and Urban Forestry’ and chairing graduate student committees. He is currently working with an MS student and MSU Infrastructure, Planning and Facilities on controlling tree root growth to prevent damage to sidewalks campus wide. Dr. Kielbaso continues to represent MSU Forestry by responding to concerns from community members ranging from addressing tree issues to resolving disputes between neighbors whose yards share trees or root systems. This service represents a positive public face for MSU, showing that our faculty are problem solvers. From 2007-2012, Dr. Kielbaso led MSUAA Evening College tree walks on campus and represented MSUAA on two travel experiences. Dr. Kielbaso works with the MSU Forestry Tree Research Center to grow and facilitate distribution of Catalpa seedlings that are offsprings from the ‘National Champion’ Catalpa tree planted in 1879 on the Michigan Statehouse lawn. These seedlings are provided to state legislators to take back to their districts for planting on Arbor Day. Since 1989, he has helped maintain the enormous white pine in the glass atrium of the State Library and Michigan History Museum. Dr. Kielbaso says, “I love the field of Forestry and enjoy the freedom of being retired. I never get tired of what I’m doing and I like to be of some service.” We thank him for his service.
Gordon E. Miracle
For his many contributions to the Department of Advertising and Public Relations and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA Individual Award to Professor Gordon E. Miracle. Dr. Miracle, a former department chair, has continued to be an active contributor to the Department’s mission and activities since he retired nearly 20 years ago. He established a significant MSU endowment that has had a tremendous impact on the growth of the department’s reputation, both domestically and internationally. Dr. Miracle has helped students to enrich their education, encouraged former students and others to support MSU financially, and has represented the interests of MSU in Michigan, nationally and abroad. He has regularly attended conferences of the American Academy of Advertising and has continued research and published 14 papers in collaboration with former doctoral students and international colleagues. Until 2014 he served as voluntary advisor to a student organization called the Spartan International Advertising Association. He continues to support research activities in the Department, particularly regarding the use of eye tracking equipment in international cross-cultural research. Dr. Miracle has served as mentor for two international Visiting Research Scholars. He will travel to Japan in July 2017 to meet with former students to discuss research and the possibility of establishing the first department of advertising in the country.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS BY AN ACADEMIC OR SUPPORT UNIT
For their help facilitating the activities of the Faculty Emeriti Lecture Series and promoting access to university expertise and resources, the FEA Unit Award is presented to the Office of University Outreach and Engagement (UOE). One cannot underestimate the services that UOE render to the Faculty Emeriti. Each month the FEA sponsors a lecture featuring noteworthy presenters on significant topics ranging from foreign policy to the water crisis in Flint. This lecture series not only impacts faculty emeriti but the university as a whole, since it encourages participation of others, including staff, students and community members. In a recent faculty emeriti survey, the lecture series as an activity received the highest score. We thank the Office of University Outreach and Engagement for their formidable contributions in support of faculty emeriti.
2013-14 Awardees
Daniel Ilgen
For his outstanding contributions to the Department of Psychology and Michigan State University, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA individual award to Professor Daniel Ilgen. Since retiring in 2007, Professor Ilgen has continued to be an active source of funding for MSU, having a grant from the US Army (2006-08) and several from the Air Force (2009-10, 2008-10, and 2010-11). He has continued to represent MSU at a national level, serving on a National Academy of Science Committee, another National Research Council committee and doing grant reviews for NASA, all since his retirement. Dan also continued in a service role, serving as the social science IRB chair from 9/08-5/09. He is regularly consulted both within Psychology and Management as well as across campus on research ethics issues. He has 16 published or in press peer reviewed papers since 2007 (almost all with MSU graduate student co-authors), several book chapters in press, and a number of presentations at national conferences.
Clarence H. Suelter
For his outstanding contributions to the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and the College of Natural Science (CNS), Michigan State University and the State of Michigan, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA individual award to Professor Clarence H. Suelter. Since his retirement in 1994, Dr. Suelter served as Director of CNS Division of Science Education and then the Division of Science and Mathematics Education, tirelessly working on developing programs to support science teachers in Michigan. He then dedicated his efforts to writing A History of the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University, 1855-2005 (635 pages), a wonderful legacy, available electronically. This formed the basis for Professor Suelter to put together a beautifully illustrated exhibit and a pamphlet on the history of natural science at MSU, displayed in the Kedzie Laboratories during the celebration of the MSU Sesquicentennial in 2005. He then wrote a comprehensive history of the Biochemistry Department from its beginnings in 1863 with the appointment of Robert Kedzie as Professor of Agricultural Chemistry by the Michigan Agricultural College, through its establishment as the Department of Biochemistry in 1961, to the current Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology as of 2011. This tremendous labor of love was produced in honor of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Biochemistry at MSU.
WKAR
Peter Whorf
Cathy Zell
Stephen Lacy
For its many contributions to enriching the lives of MSU faculty emeriti, the FEA Unit Award is presented this year to WKAR. WKAR-TV and Radio present many opportunities for engaging emeriti faculty throughout the year. With six different areas in which to volunteer, MSU Faculty Emeriti participate by answering phones during on-air fundraising campaigns, working booths at festivals and events in order to share WKAR happenings, and even help with donor stewardship. Another important area that the FEA members help with is the Radio Reading Service. Faculty Emeriti read on air so those who cannot read, turn a page, or see, can hear news, shopping advertisements and books. The participation of more than 2500 volunteers from our community is an important part of WKAR’s success and the MSU Faculty Emeriti play an important role in helping them fulfill their goals.
The Faculty Emeriti Association would like to thank the following people for their efforts in selecting the 2013-14 award winners: Jenny Bond, James Trosko and Rita Gallin.
2012-2013 Award Recipients
George Bird
For his outstanding contributions to the Department of Entomology and Michigan State University, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA individual award to Professor George Bird. Since retiring in 2005, Professor Bird has remained extremely active in teaching classes, giving MSU Extension presentations to vegetable and fruit growers, assisting colleagues in scientific journal publications, and providing leadership for MSU international Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. He has remained so active, in fact, that many members of his department did not realize he had officially retired. To quote one of his colleagues: “Professor George Bird brings a deep commitment to enhancing global food security and improving the quality of life of people around the world. He has provided excellent leadership in building a global network in IPM that has allowed MSU to share its wealth of information and experiences in IPM with the global scientific community and policy makers.
Ralph Votapek
For his outstanding contributions to the College of Music, Michigan State University and the greater Lansing community, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA individual award to Professor Ralph Votapek. Since retiring in 2003, Professor Votapek has continued to share his time and talents as a concert pianist in a variety of ways. He performs frequently in the Music Building and at the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts. He gives solo piano recitals, collaborates with other faculty in their recitals, participates in chamber music performances and in local festivals. The impact of Professor Votapek’s continued service is substantial. His international reputation as a performing artist continues to maintain and to build the reputation of this University as a major destination to study the musical performing arts. His willingness to collaborate with other music faculty facilitates their research creativity, and scholarly activities such as making professional recordings of the highest professional quality.
MSU Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement
For its many contributions to enriching the lives of MSU faculty emeriti, the FEA Unit Award is presented this year to the MSU Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (CSLCE). The CSLCE partners with numerous faculty emeriti on activities such as Reflection Circles to MSU undergraduate students engaged in service-learning through their Integrative Studies in Social Science (ISS) 215 and 315 courses. For the past seven years, the Reflection Circles have offered approximately 100 students each year the ability to engage in guided reflective conversations through the facilitation by MSU faculty emeriti. CSLCE research has shown that students have greater gains related to reflective learning when they have participated in the Circles. The CSLCE and the MSU FEA also partner on service-learning projects, including the Retirees Magazine Drive for schools, nursing homes and community organizations.
2011-2012 Award Recipients
Sam Austin
For his outstanding contributions to the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA individual award to University Distinguished Professor Sam Austin. Since retiring in 2000, Professor Austin has continued to make major contributions to the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics (JINA) that have played an important role in its success. He participates in weekly, monthly and annual JINA advisory committee meetings. He often mentors faculty and students in the department. His scientific research output in nuclear astrophysics continues to be world class. He has shifted his focus to critical reaction rates in stellar evolution, an area that many see as the most important unsolved problem in that field. In terms of the number of publications produced annually and his citation record, Professor Austin’s productivity matches that of a full-time senior investigator.
Marshall Hestenes
For his outstanding contributions to the Office of Libraries, Computing and Technology, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an individual award to Professor Marshall Hestenes. Since retiring in 2001, Professor Hestenes has personally designed and developed several of the most useful and important information and management systems at MSU. These include, among others, the Scholarship and Endowment System, the Graduate Advising Information System and Administrator’s Assistant. His involvement with these projects spanned from function specification, through design, data architectures, development (often leading a team of developers), testing and production implementation. He led these efforts with flawless logic and purpose, and guided everyone else involved in the projects to provide their best efforts to produce very successful results. Along the way, he has taught himself new programming languages and techniques as technology changed. In the words of a colleague, “It is hard to imagine a single individual whose emeritus work will have had such broad and critical impacts on MSU.”
The MSU Community Music School
For its many contributions to the cultural lives of MSU faculty emeriti, the FEA Unit Award is presented this year to the MSU Community Music School for offering activities including the Choral Union and the New Horizons Band. The Choral Union, which has been available to faculty emeriti since 1987, is a large mixed chorus of 150 to 200 voices designed to bring the campus and community together. Its repertoire focuses on the major choral/orchestral works of every stylistic period, which are performed with the Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestra and various university orchestras. Approximately ten percent of the Choral Union members are faculty emeriti. The New Horizons Band, which has been available to faculty since 2003, is for adults who want to learn to play a band instrument for the first time or who wish to relearn an instrument. The faculty emeriti who participate in the band learn in a relaxed environment and enjoy social time as well.
The Faculty Emeriti Association would like to thank the following people for their efforts in selecting the 2011-2012 award winners: Hal W. Helper, Linda Nelson, and James Rainey.
2010-2011 Award Recipients
Walter Benenson
For his outstanding contributions to Lyman Briggs College, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA Individual Award to University Distinguished Professor Emeritus Walter Benenson. Professor Benenson was one of the first experimental nuclear physicists at the original cyclotron laboratory. The present FRIB project is a direct outgrowth of his research projects. Since retiring in 2008, Professor Benenson has continued to work at Lyman Briggs College. He has helped to teach and revise the lab-based curriculum. On the teaching side, he acts as a mentor to younger faculty and holds individual tutorial sessions with undergraduate students. He has presented innovative “studio physics” sessions at MSU’s Grandparents University. More generally, Professor Benenson is an active senior member of the college, serving on promotion and tenure advisory committees, helping with searches, contributing to annual faculty evaluations, and adding broader perspective to discussions at faculty meetings.
Charles Gliozzo
For his outstanding contributions to International Studies and Programs (ISP), and particularly to the Office of Study Abroad, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an individual Award to Professor Charles Gliozzo. Dr. Gliozzo has been a dedicated, talented and highly valued member of the MSU community since 1968 and is one who will continue to make exceptional contributions in the years to come. He worked in international education from 1973 to 1994 as the Director of Overseas Study, where he had administrative responsibility for over 80 international academic programs in 26 countries, servicing 1,200 students. Dr. Gliozzo continues to work as an emeritus faculty member; he devotes much of his time to ISP although he has formally retired. As an example of his outreach activity, he serves as coordinator of the Michigan Council of Citizen Diplomacy that involves Department of State delegations who wish to visit greater Lansing. His knowledge of the history of Michigan and MSU enrich the experience of all international visitors to the University.
G. Robert Vincent Voice Library and the University Archives and Historical Collections
For its many contributions in preserving for posterity the thoughts and reflections of MSU faculty emeriti, the FEA Unit Award is presented this year to the G. Robert Vincent Voice Library and the University Archives and Historical Collections. Through the services and expertise of the VVL and the UAHC retired MSU faculty are afforded the opportunity to share their perceptions, reflections and personal stories about their Michigan State University tenure. The interviews, which take place in the VVL studios in the Main Library, cover how disciplines, pedagogy, students and technologies have evolved and changed over time. The UAHC will hold a preservation copy of all interviews through this project. The UAHC’s mission is to preserve the legacy of our land-grant university and serve as a repository for the records of the university.
The Faculty Emeriti Association would like to thank the following people for their efforts in selecting the 2010-2011 award winners: Hal W. Helper, Linda Nelson, and James Rainey.
2009-2010 Award Recipients
Lynn Brumm
For his outstanding contributions to the Department of Family and Community Medicine, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA Individual Award to Dr. Lynn Brumm. Since Dr. Brumm's retirement in 1997, he has continued to complete primary research and work as an osteopathic consultant for MSU athletes. His care and commitment can be seen through the many awards that he has re- ceived in retirement recognizing his continued research and work. In September 2002, Dr. Brumm was honored at the dedication of the MSUCOM Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Laboratory in appreciation of his "compassion and professional care." In 2003, he was given the Walter F. Patenge Medal of Public Service, the highest honor conferred by MSUCOM. In 2009, he was awarded the pres- tigious AOA Mentor of the Year Award having been nominated by medical students, physicians, and certified athletic trainers for his dedication to teaching. His dedication to intercollegiate athletics continues with a medical study started in 2004 of the MSU Cross Country Team. Dr. Brumm is still teaching 25 first year medical students to help complete the research. Dr. Brumm has touched the lives of countless medical students, physicians, athletes, and patients throughout his productive career. A letter of support from a colleague expressed what they gained through working with Dr. Brumm: "A strengthened sense of purpose, joy of life, passion for learning, patience, careful thought, and consideration for the unknown trials of others."
Donald Ricks
For his outstanding contributions to the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Associa- tion awards an FEA Individual Award to Dr. Donald Ricks. Dr. Ricks has been deeply involved in research involving the cherry and apple industries. He continues to work with graduate students and faculty on developing seminars and other opportunities to further the knowledge and training of graduate students in extension work. Dr. Ricks has stayed active at the national level with the organization, development, and implementation of a Graduate Student Extension Competition sponsored by the Extension Section of the U.S. Agricul- tural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA). The competition has been conducted for the last three years and has contributed to the growth of young professionals across the country as effective future extension economists. Dr. Ricks has also developed and taught MSU Freshman Seminars, one of which led to the creation of a 3-credit course for upper classmen on leadership and related people-skills. His enthusiastic teaching of freshman seminars also led to his recognition as the "Kappa Kappa Gamma Professor of the Year, 2009." One student wrote, "I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved in such a stimulating course which has positively affected my life to make it better." As a member of the MSU Extension project "Work Group on Scholarship of Extension," Dr. Ricks helped in the development of key elements, guidelines, and expectations for scholarship of MSU Extension faculty and ways to evaluate and reward it.
MSU Libraries
For its many contributions to integrating MSU Faculty Emeriti into its programs, the FEA Unit Award is presented this year to the MSU Libraries. Their knowledge and commitment to Faculty Emeriti have inspired Faculty Emeriti to new levels of personal growth and professional engagement through the Lifelong Library Emeriti Program developed by the MSU Library Instruction Team. Between June and December 2009, eight sessions were conducted by caring and skilled librarians on a variety of topics in technology (e.g., web screening, government information, and social networking). All eight sessions were filled to capacity. The real measure of effectiveness for the Lifelong Library Emeriti Program lies in how well it serves to keep Faculty Emeriti engaged with the greater university community. Through the program, Faculty Emeriti are encouraged to stay connected at whatever level they choose by offering topics that resonate in a familiar and respected campus setting.
A letter of support written by a Faculty Emeriti couple expressed: "The seminar experience is augmented by the skill and openness of the librarians who lead each session and by the opportunity for participants to interact and raise questions about the issues they find most intriguing. We are delighted with this program and believe that it makes a creative contribution to the experience of Faculty Emeriti."
The Faculty Emeriti Association would like to thank the following people for their efforts in selecting the 2009-2010 award winners: Jenny Bond, Bernard Gallin, Bruce Miller, and James Rainey.
2008-2009 Award Recipients
For his outstanding contributions to the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA Individual Award to Dr. John (Jake) Ferris. Dr. Ferris continues active research and outreach programs focused on biofuels and other agricultural and natural resources issues. His productivity in retirement can be assessed by his publications. From 1997-2004, he wrote articles on Michigan farm income and sugar beets for the AFRE Department's annual outlook issues of the Michigan Farm News of the Michigan Farm Bureau. Ferris prepared two papers on the soybean industry for the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, one for the sugar beet industry, and one on bovine Tuberculosis (with Larry Leefers and Dennis Propst in Forestry) for state government, all on the economic impacts on the Michigan economy. At the request of State Senator, George McManus, Ferris prepared two Agriculture Economic Staff Papers on the importance of agriculture and the food sector on the Michigan economy. Ferris has written numerous papers which has led him to travel abroad extensively. Finally, Ferris has been active in his professional organizations where he has received many accolades. Ferris remains involved in many aspects of the university and community.
For his outstanding contributions to the Department of Chemistry, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA Individual Award to Dr. James Dye. Dr. Dye's dedication and expertise are recognized and cherished by colleagues, staff and students. His involvement in Chemistry has been a life-changing experience for all students involved. In his retirement, Dye has continued his research into novel materials and sought to develop applications in green chemistry that are based on discoveries he made during his 40 years on faculty. His work led to the formation of a start-up company, SIGNa Chemistry, Inc. which won a 2008 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Green Chemistry Award. Professor Dye has published 44 papers in refereed journals since becoming an emeritus faculty member. Most importantly, Professor Dye has continued to carry out his research with undergraduate students in the Chemistry Department. Finally, in his retirement, Dye has served as a member of a university panel investigating allegations of research misconduct.
2007-2008 Award Recipients
For its many contributions to integrating MSU Faculty Emeriti into its programs, the FEA Unit Award is presented this year to the Department of Horticulture. The Department of Horticulture has benefited from the support and efforts of Faculty Emeriti in several on-going programs. Members have successfully developed the Horticulture Alumni Association, chaired the Depart- mental Scholarship Committee, worked with the Master Gardening program and are regular guest lecturers in several courses. Faculty Emeriti are also involved with different research projects, actively publish in peer-reviewed journals and mentor junior faculty. The Department of Horticulture Faculty Emeriti are tireless in their contributions not only to MSU but also to other groups such as the Michigan State Horticulture Society Trust Committee, the Michigan Herb Association, the wine and viticul- ture industries in Michigan, as well as advising on the planning of children's gardens all over the world. Bradley Rowe, Chair, will accept this award on behalf of the Department of Horticulture.
For its many contributions to integrating MSU Faculty Emeriti into its programs, the FEA Unit Award is presented this year to the Department of Radiology. The Department of Radiology has provided a stable venue for various FEA lectures. This has allowed these lectures to gain exposure and grow in popularity. Covering a range of topics, these lectures provide an outlet for discussion among retired and current faculty, students and guests to the University. The Department of Radiology has assisted with the assimilation of the FEA into the academic governance system and worked on making them a member with voice in the Faculty Council and Academic Council. Currently in their second year of representation, retired faculties now have a voice in academic governance that was absent prior to last year. E. James Potchen will accept this award on behalf of the Department of Radiology.
For his outstanding contributions to Animal Science, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA Individual Award to Dr. Russel Erickson. Dr. Erickson’s dedication and expertise are recognized and cherished by colleagues, staff and students. His involvement in Animal Science Study Abroad programs has been a life-changing experience for all students involved. Russell had the foresight to create an endowment fund for the draft horse to ensure they remain a part of campus. His course ANS 141 “Draft Horse Basics”, created in his first year of retirement, experiences maximum enrollment in both fall and spring semesters. Dr. Erickson continues to serve as a Director to one of the largest scholarship foundations at MSU, the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation and has become a strong liaison between MSU and the Michigan dairy industry.
For his outstanding contributions to the Graduate School, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards the FEA Individual Award to Dr. Lester Manderscheid. Dr Manderscheid continues to be a valuable resource for his department. Shortly after retirement, Les began an appointment in the Graduate School as Coordinator of the newly established MSU University Dis- tinguished Fellowship (UDF) Program. His diligence and strategic planning for this Fellowship made the recruitment of the “best and brightest” PhD students from 13 colleges across MSU a huge success. Dr. Manderscheid is also sought-after to partner with the staff on major projects as well as to provide sage advice on international research endeavors. Not only help- ing his department, Les also served on the Faculty Voice committee two years ago as it reviewed the governance structure at MSU.
For its many contributions to integrating MSU Faculty Emeriti into its programs, the FEA Unit award is presented this year to the MSU Museum. The MSU Museum has benefited from the support and efforts of Faculty Emeriti in several on-going programs. They have served as 1.) Presenters, researchers, and exhibit developers for the Great Lakes Folk Festival; 2.) Participants in collections management and care; 3.) Engaged researchers (Barn Preservation Network, Michigan Quilt Project Inventory, oral histories and archival work for exhibitions); 4.) Community networkers and fundraisers (serves on MSU Museum Associates Board and the MSU Museum Development Council); and 5.) Volunteers for special annual events (Dinosaur Dash, Chocolate Party Benefit, Wine Tasting Benefit, Annual Brunch/Awards Program. etc). Faculty Emeriti also have actively participated in the development of museum research and documentation projects that have led to major exhibitions such as “Pat-Riots to Patriots: Irish Stereotypes,” “Memories of MSU: A Sesquicentennial Exhibition,” and the new “Weaving History: A Basket Heritage Project.” Faculty Emeriti from a wide variety of disciplines have participated: Anthropology, Archaeology, Folk Arts, History, Vertebrate Natural History, Exhibitions, Education, and Information and Museum Services. The MSU Museum also benefits from the contributions of many current and retired faculty and staff with over 600 volunteers annually. Kurt Dewhurst, Director, will accept this award on behalf of the MSU Museum.
For his outstanding contributions to the Kresge Art Museum, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards the FEA Individual award to Dr. David Greenbaum. Dr. Greenbaum’s expertise, dedication, and humility are recognized and cherished by staff, students, and his medical colleagues. His contributions to the Kresge Art Museum Docent Program are also widely appreciated. From the beginning of his role as a docent, he has been a great source of knowledge and enthusiasm. Dr. Greenbaum has also been the driving force behind the initial committee (BAM) that formed to expand the current building space of the Kresge Art Museum. His gift of teaching and interpreting material to fit any age group is quite amazing to watch. He never talks down to his tours but rather fosters a dialogue that is truly a celebration of his love of art and people.
For his outstanding contributions to Faculty Emeriti, the University, and to the community, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA Leadership award to Dr. Lawrence Sommers. Dr. Sommers’ leadership was at the heart of the FEA that now exists. Without his commitment and energetic pursuit of opportunities for Faculty Emeriti first in the College of Social Science and later across the University, MSU might not have the FEA organization that is functioning today. Larry was unwavering in his belief in the need for and the appropriateness of MSU opportunities to integrate Faculty Emeriti into the life of the University. He defines the terms “change agent” and “advocate,” fighting for a just, albeit, complex cause. When we hear about the FEA Lecture Series and the FEA as a vibrant organization, we should remember that a few years ago those were the very things that Larry envisioned and worked so hard to achieve.
This program has many retired faculty on staff serving as consultants and assisting with special projects. The unit provides opportunities for faculty emeriti to participate in ISP’s Community Volunteers for International Programs; to lead study abroad programs; and to tutor international students, scholars, and spouses in the Volunteer English Tutoring Program. International Studies and Programs has actively participated in making opportunities available to faculty emeriti for over 20 years. The relationship to faculty emeriti has been very valuable both to the faculty participants and to the unit itself. For its many contributions to the MSU faculty emeriti, the FEA Unit award is presented to International Studies and Programs.
This special award is made to a group of musicians that has entertained millions of Spartan fans for over 30 years. This group was organized in 1970 and has included many faculty emeriti as part of its organization. Spartan fans attending home football games have been entertained by this group. In addition, the Geriatric Six Plus One has performed at many civic and charitable events. Any income generated by the performance of the group goes to support MSU programs. For outstanding contributions to faculty emeriti, the University, and to the community the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association awards an FEA Special award to the Geriatric Six Plus One.
: Over the years, the extraordinary volunteer efforts of Dr. James Niblock contributed to the creation of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. This effort utilized MSU faculty, faculty emeriti, alumni and students for the past 40 years. Dr. Niblock’s encouragement of his MSU music colleagues and students to become involved with the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp has helped in creating an institution that is now widely recognized as one of Michigan’s finest cultural assets. His efforts have touched many thousands of young people, their families and others involved in the arts. He has encouraged many distinguished faculty emeriti to perform and conduct at the Camp. His efforts at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp have contributed to the Summer School of the Arts, the International Exchange Program, and the Blue Lake Public Radio. For these outstanding contributions, the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association proudly awards the FEA
Individual award to Dr. James F. Niblock.
