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Arnie Johnston honored for decades of service

April 15, 2009

KALAMAZOO--Dr. William Arnold "Arnie" Johnston will be recognized for his 42 years of service to Western Michigan University at a retirement reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in the Lee Honors College Lounge. The event is open to all colleagues, friends and former students of Johnston.

Johnston joined the WMU faculty in 1966 as an assistant professor of English and officially retired in 2008 with the title of professor and chair emeritus of English. During his long tenure, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in creative writing, playwriting, fiction and poetry writing, and served as chair of the Department of English for 10 years beginning in 1997. Johnston was a 1990 recipient of the University's Distinguished Teaching Award.

A prolific writer and performer, Johnston teamed with faculty in theatre, music and other departments on a variety projects, including Kalamazoo's All Ears Theatre, Whole Arts Theatre and Kalamazoo Reading Together. His most-frequent artistic partner is his wife, Deborah Ann Percy, and his two longtime passions are the works of Robert Burns and Jacques Brel.

A native of Scotland, Johnston has been a naturalized U.S. citizen since 1962. He earned his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University and master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Delaware.

Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
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