What year did you graduate?
1976
Tell us about your accomplishments since graduating from BHS.
I got a bachelor’s degree in Physics at Northwestern University in 1980 and then went on to earn a PhD in Physics from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1988. I have worked as a Physics professor at Central Michigan University since 1991. During that time I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with many talented and hard-working students, both in the classroom and doing research. My career as a scientist has provided me the chance to travel widely and to interact with some of the best people in my field.
What was your favorite class at BHS?
I loved my time at BHS and had many favorites. Chemistry with Mr. Vinson, Physics with Mr. Summerson, and pre-calc with Mr. Aller were among my favorites.
During your time at BHS, did you have a favorite staff member who had a positive impact on you? Tell us about them.
Coach Jim Hoffmann had a big impact on my life. He gave me the advice to go to college to develop my mind, rather than to play football. I followed that advice and have come to realize how wise it was.
Do you have any advice for recent and future graduates?
In sports there is the saying “leave it all on the field” — which means to give your best effort during a game so that , win or lose, you can hold your head high knowing you have done your best. Apply that lesson in all areas of your life — at school, at work, in your relationships — to be the best you can be.
How did your time at BHS impact your adult life?
I have been around a lot of highly educated people during my career and I can say with confidence that I got a great start to my own education at BHS. I was well-prepared to succeed in college and beyond with the education I got in Burlington.