Honorary Degrees of Retiring Faculty
William Joseph Perreault, professor of Biology, 2006
"William Joseph Perreault, you came to Lawrence in 1971, after earning a bachelor’s degree at Siena College, a master’s degree at Adelphi University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Michigan. Ever since joining the faculty, you have been a generous and effective colleague, mentor, and teacher. Faculty and students alike admire your willingness to devote heart and soul to biology, and to liberal education in general.
As a teacher your success has been extraordinary. Your love for teaching biology to our students has been demonstrated through 35 years of thoughtful and supportive instruction. Students and colleagues praise your supportive role in learning, both inside and outside of the classroom and laboratory. You are known for making students feel comfortable and enthusiastic about science, often with a great sense of humor and delightful practical jokes. You have occasionally used such engaging activities as making sourdough bread, sauerkraut, and yogurt in the microbiology laboratory. Student after student has expressed gratitude for your willingness to do whatever it takes to help others learn and for your generosity in spending time with all students, regardless of their interests or abilities.
One of your important achievements was the development of the immensely popular microbiology course. You were a pioneer in integrating lecture and hands-on approaches — a technique that is now nationally known as the 'workshop method' and is revered by science faculty at many colleges and universities. This course has for several years had one of the longest waiting lists of any in the department.
You have also worked to teach generations of students, and many of your faculty colleagues, the power of electron microscopy. You are responsible for the development of our scanning electron microscope facility, which has meant engaging in activities that range from writing a successful proposal to the National Science Foundation for a new scanning electron microscope, to the judicious use of duct tape to keep the old one functioning. You have offered many tutorials to students in the use of the electron microscope, helping them to be at the leading edge of new technology in the study of science and providing opportunities to bring together visual arts and scientific investigation.
Among the many ways that you have helped build the biology program at Lawrence, you were instrumental in obtaining funds through two different grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. These funds were used to add a faculty position, support student summer research, and help pay for the renovation of Youngchild Hall.
Perhaps your most enduring legacy, though, is Principles of Biology, the introductory biology course. You took a leading role in conceiving and implementing this course that has students doing biology from the moment they step on campus. Your department has entrusted you with the very important responsibility of giving students the foundation for the major and has been inspired by your commitment to getting it right.
It is an honor to recognize you today as you complete 35 years of wonderful service to Lawrence University.
By the authority vested in me, I now confer upon you the degree of Master of Arts, ad eundem, and admit you to its rights, privileges, and obligations."