Nine faculty members were given the emeritus title by the Regents at their September meeting. Those retiring are:
Walter A. Castelli, professor of anatomy
Castelli, who joined Michigan’s faculty in 1966, “conducted research on periodontal disease, taught medical and dental gross anatomy, and was director of the Inteflex gross anatomy course for many years,” the Regents noted. “He has also been active in numerous professional societies, including the American Association of Anatomists and the International Association for Dental Research, and he continues to review articles for the Journal of the American Dental Association and the Cleft Palate Journal.
“Dr. Castelli has been the recipient of many distinguished teaching awards throughout his career at the University.”
James E. Crowfoot, professor of natural resources and urban and regional planning and former dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment
Crowfoot, who joined the U-M in 1965, served as dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment in 1983–90, “guiding it through a challenging period of change and reorganization,” the Regents said. “During that period, he oversaw the design and implementation of major curriculum changes at all degree levels and presided over a budget reduction and downsizing of the School.
“From 1989 until his retirement, Prof. Crowfoot was director of the Pew Scholars Program in Conservation and the Environment. He was also a co-founder and active participant in the Program in Conflict Management Alternatives.”
William R. Dawson, the Dugald E.S. Brown Professor of Biological Sciences and research scientist in the Museum of Zoology
Dawson joined the faculty in 1953. “The esteemed status Prof. Dawson enjoys in his field is reflected in his numerous awards, honors, and society memberships; his scientific productivity; and his reputation for research of the highest quality, all of which have been achieved in addition to his considerable administrative responsibilities, first as chair of the Department of Biology and then as director of the Museum of Zoology,” the Regents said.
“As a result of Prof. Dawson’s vision, energy, and administrative skills, the Museum was the first in the world to have a modern laboratory for the application of the latest methods of molecular analysis to problems in systematics and evolution.”
William F. Howatt, professor of pediatrics and communicable diseases
Howatt, who came to U-M in 1959, “specialized in the respiratory diseases of childhood and contributed to the emerging specialty of pediatric pulmonology by determining widely used standard values of pulmonary function tests for young children,” the Regents said. “To date, this is the only study in which the growth of distinct elements of pulmonary function in normal children was followed longitudinally in a single cohort.
“Dr. Howatt’s interest in the care of children with cystic fibrosis led to the establishment of the Cystic Fibrosis Center at the U-M Medical Center.”
David Y. Hughes, professor of humanities
Hughes came to the U-M in 1964 as an assistant professor in the Department of English, College of Engineering. “He served as secretary to the faculty, chair of the Curriculum Committee, and as a member of the Administrative Committee,” the Regents said. “He also chaired a committee that undertook a five-year review of the department and made major recommendations for the future.
“Prof. Hughes’ principal scholarly interest over the years has been H.G. Wells and his work. He has published a substantial number of articles and reviews on Wells, and for some years has been an editorial consultant for Science-Ficton Studies.”
Robert P. Kelch, professor of pediatrics and communicable diseases
Kelch, who joined Michigan’s faculty in 1972, was appointed chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases in 1981. “Under his leadership, the department has experienced unprecedented growth in grant funding and expansion of subspecialty programs and has become one of the most respected academic departments of pediatrics in the nation,” the Regents said.
“Dr. Kelch’s accomplishments as a scholar, clinician, educator and administrator are extraordinary. His scholarly work in developmental endocrinology has contributed greatly to our understanding of the hormonal regulation of puberty. Despite the specialized nature of his research, he has maintained a comprehensive command of clinical pediatrics, enabling him to influence the professional growth of hundreds of young pediatricians.”
Gordon L. Nordby, professor of biological chemistry
Nordby, who joined the U-M faculty in 1962, “has been a dedicated teacher over the years and has devoted substantial effort to improving and enhancing the biochemistry course for nursing students,” the Regents noted.
“Prof. Nordby’s most current interests have been in the physical biochemistry of proteins, protein binding of small ions, opiate binding to cell membranes, and computer applications to experimental design problems. He has worked on the computer simulation of biological systems and statistical interference. He has also designed some innovative educational programs and has worked on database systems design and management.”
Elliot S. Valenstein, professor of psychology
Valenstein joined the U-M faculty in 1970. “A world-renowned scholar, Prof. Valenstein has made major contributions to our understanding of the physiological basis of emotion and motivation and the influence of hormones on brain and behavior,” the Regents noted. “He has also written extensively on the history of somatic treatments for mental illness and is author of more than 140 scientific articles and four books.
“Among his many honors, Prof. Valenstein has been elected president of the Comparative and Physiological Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association and a fellow at both the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences and the National Humanities Center.”
Phyllis S. Weikart, associate professor of kinesiology
Weikart joined Michigan’s faculty in 1966. “Active as both a player and administrator in women’s field hockey, Prof. Weikart served for five years as president of the U.S. Field Hockey Association. In 1979, she was inducted into the Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame.
“She developed an expertise in rhythmic movement and folk dance that has won her international recognition. Teachers from across the country have become certified in her ‘Education through Movement: Building the Foundation’ program. She is also the creator of ‘Fitness Over Fifty,’ an exercise program for older people offered without charge at two locations in the Ann Arbor/Detroit area.”
