MSU Faculty Emeriti Association

The Faculty Emeriti Association (FEA), in collaboration with the Office of Faculty and Organizational Development, Office of the Provost, is delighted to announce the annual Faculty Emeriti Association Recognition Awards. Two awards are presented each year.

The Faculty Emeriti Association Outstanding Contributions by a Unit Award:
This award recognizes an academic or support unit that does an outstanding job in creating opportunities for MSU Faculty Emeriti to participate in the life of the University.

The rationale for this award is to recognize the activities of units that have made formidable contributions to fostering the engagement of MSU Faculty Emeriti within their unit. These engagements should be viewed as mutually beneficial for the Faculty Emeriti and the unit.

The Faculty Emeriti Association Outstanding Contributions by an Individual Award:
This award recognizes an individual MSU Faculty Emeritus/Emerita who has done an outstanding job in serving the University through contributions to a unit or program.

The rationale for this award is to recognize the activities of individuals who have made formidable contributions to the MSU Community or their unit or to fostering the engagement of MSU Faculty Emeriti. These engagements should be viewed as mutually beneficial for the Faculty Emeriti and the unit.

2008-09 Award Winners:

JOHN (JAKE) FERRIS
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.

JAMES DYE
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.

The Faculty Emeriti Association would like to thank the following people for their efforts in selecting the 2008-09 award winners: Leo Deal, Bernard Gallin, Bruce Miller, and James Rainey.

The nomination can be made by an individual or a unit. Self nominations for the Outstanding Contributions by a Unit award are welcome.

A selection committee of college representatives, administrative personnel, and Faculty Emeriti will review the applications and select the awardees. The nominations should be returned to Allyn Shaw, Assistant Director of Leadership Development Programs, at 308 Administration Building, or to registration@provost.msu.edu. The 2008-09 applications were distributed December 2008.