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David William Adams

Aug. 14, 2009

Dr. David William Adams, a former president of the Faculty Senate at Western Michigan University, died July 22 in Kalamazoo. He was 81.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in Kanley Chapel on WMU's main campus.

Adams joined WMU's faculty in 1956 and retired in 1984 as emeritus professor of education and professional development. He presided over the WMU Faculty Senate in the early 1970s, was an active member of several campuswide committees and participated in various education-related forums on campus.

A teacher of the philosophy of education, Adams received WMU's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1967. He left the University during the 1958-59 academic year while holding a teaching fellowship at New York University.

Adams served in the U. S. Navy during WWII and began his academic career as a social science instructor and assistant to the dean at New York City Community College in Brooklyn.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, and a master's and doctoral degrees from New York University, which presented him with its Founders' Day Award for achievement.

Adams enjoyed a lifetime of painting and print making. After retiring from WMU, he painted wildflowers of the United States that were made into greeting cards and sold in many gift stores and national park visitor's centers. He also wrote a children's book called "The Year Our Trees Grew Hair."

Memorial donations may be made to the American Society of Hematology or to Kanley Chapel.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
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