Honorary Degrees of Retiring Faculty
Norman Storm Thompson, Professor of Chemistry, The Institute of Paper Chemistry, 1987
"Norman Storm Thompson, in the minds of many friends, associates, and former students, you will always be revered as 'Stormin' Norman,' for such is the manner in which you have taken on the esoteric field of wood chemistry. In the twenty-five years since you departed your Canadian homeland, your exploration of the arcane world of carbohydrate chemistry has yielded more than four score publications, an international reputation, and invitations form around the world to share your singular expertise. Under your artful guidance, twenty-one doctoral students have learned to understand and appreciate the mysteries and wonders of hemicellulose.
In your retirement, the intellectual pursuits that have brought you recognition will find stiff competition from your newfound study of bits and bytes, your search for edible mushrooms, and your duties as skipper of a sailing ship. These pursuits, we know, will be touched by the same mastery that marked your professional career.
By the authority vested in me, I now confer upon you the degree of Master of Science, ad eundem, and admit you to its rights, its privileges, and its obligations."