Muskingum News

Muskingum University granted master’s degrees at its graduate commencement exercises, held May 8 in Brown Chapel on the campus. The address was delivered by 1951 alumnus Dr. Bill P. Lovejoy. 

Degrees conferred were the Master of Arts in Teaching, the Master of Arts in Education and the Master of Information Strategy, Systems and Technology.

Muskingum University President Anne C. Steele congratulated the assembled graduates and said, “You have worked hard, and we are very proud of you. What you have done here will have an impact on thousands of individuals, your communities and the world.”

In his address, Dr. Lovejoy encouraged the graduates to work hard, but to keep their fundamental values intact “The shortcut to success is two little words: work hard,” he said. “But, it’s never too soon to do a kindness because you never know when it will be too late.”

Recognizing his lifetime of achievement, the university bestowed upon Dr. Lovejoy an honorary doctor of science degree.

While earning his bachelor of science degree in geology at Muskingum, Dr. Lovejoy was a scholar-athlete on the varsity football and baseball teams and served as sports editor for The Black & Magenta, the university’s student newspaper.

Following his graduation from Muskingum, he completed a master of science degree in geology from the University of New Mexico in 1958, and a doctor of philosophy degree in zoology from Oregon State University in 1972. His early career as a geologist for Shell Oil Company took him to New Mexico, Texas and Oregon.

Dr. Lovejoy then joined the faculty of Georgia Southern University, where during several decades as professor of biology, he influenced generations of students and colleagues with his teaching and insightful research. He retired from Georgia Southern as professor emeritus.

His late wife, Martha Johnson Lovejoy, was a 1952 Muskingum alumna and a well-loved and respected classroom teacher who shared her enthusiasm and love of learning with her elementary school students.

Dr. Lovejoy created the Bill and Martha Johnson Lovejoy Endowed Chair in Biology at Muskingum to ensure that superb teaching will remain a hallmark of the Muskingum heritage.

Candidates for master’s degrees were presented by Vice President of Academic Affairs James Callaghan. The degrees were conferred by President Steele, Muskingum University Trustee and alumnus Gordon Spillman, Vice President of Graduate and Continuing Studies Dr. Mark Sanford, Department of Education Chair Dr. Rae Harriott White and Dr. Ray Rataiczak, director of the Master of Information Strategies, Systems and Technology graduate program.

Faculty marshals were Professor of Chemistry Dr. Ray Rataiczak and Professor of Religion Dr. Rick Nutt.

The student marshals were Kristin C. Lefever and Joseph R. Pachuta.