2017 Distinguished Alumni Award: Richard Williams
2017 Distinguished Alumni Award
The Wake Forest University Department of Physics named Reynolds Professor Emeritus Richard Williams (B.S. ’68) the inaugural recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Award. The award recognizes a Physics graduate for exceptional achievement or service.
Williams accepted the award during a special Physics colloquium on September 5, 2018. He retired that year after 31 years of service as Reynolds Professor.
Williams was the first recipient of the Speas Award for distinguished work in physics, mentored the department’s first Ph.D. graduate, and became the department’s first endowed professor. An international expert in scintillators and ultrafast laser spectroscopy, he strengthened the department’s research reputation and visibility.