Long-time William Penn University Faculty Member to Receive Honorary Doctorate
Robert (Bob) Barnes (submitted photo)
Oskaloosa, Iowa- Professor Robert (Bob) Barnes joined the chemistry department at William Penn University (then William Penn College) over 50 years ago, in the fall of 1961. As an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics, Barnes has taught General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, Physical Science, Intro to Algebra, Statistics, and most recently, Intro to Photography. Though his favorite class has always been General Chemistry or Organic Chemistry, his love for photography has led him to teach students the art and technicalities of film and digital photography for the past seven years.
What started as a hobby eventually led to a part-time job of taking senior and family photos, in addition to weddings and other events. When the University expressed a need for photographs from sporting and other events, Barnes was happy to offer his services. Since that time, there has rarely been an event or occasion on campus that he hasn’t captured. Barnes has provided thousands of photos from countless sporting events, fine arts performances, award ceremonies, commencements, special presentations, and student activities. Not to mention, photos of campus as seasons and landscapes change year to year. His photographs have graced almost every publication produced by the university. This tremendous task has required hours of time, both in the evenings and weekends. For his outstanding service, Barnes was presented with the President’s Excellence in Service Award at the Honors Banquet in the spring of 2012. In his letter of nomination, a colleague wrote, “Bob’s work gives a face to William Penn.”
William Penn University is deeply grateful for the years of service Professor Robert Barnes has dedicated to the university and its students. Professor Barnes will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at the 2013 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11 in the Penn Activity Center (PAC). The ceremony will begin at 10:00 am with doors opening at 8:30 am. Nearly 370 students will walk across the stage this year, representing the university’s three programs; College of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies (CASPS), College for Working Adults (CWA), and Distance Learning.
When asked about his time and service at Penn, Professor Barnes stated, “I really can’t imagine having spent my life in a better way.” The administration and Board of Trustees at William Penn University are delighted to present Robert Barnes with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
