July 11-12, 2002

ITEM 116-1501-R0702   Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences upon Paul T. Sawyer; Montana Tech of the University of Montana

THAT: Upon the occasion of the retirement of Professor Paul T. Sawyer from the faculty of Montana Tech of The University of Montana, the faculty wishes to express its appreciation for his years of dedication and valued service to the College, the Department of Biological Sciences and the State of Montana by recommending conferral of the rank of Professor Emeritus by the Board of Regents of the Montana University System.

EXPLANATION: Paul Sawyer earned his B.S. in Agriculture, with a major in Botany, from the University of Vermont in 1965. He received an M.S.in Botany from Montana State University in 1967 and a Ph.D. in Botany from Montana State University in 1970. Professor Sawyer joined the faculty of the Montana College of Mineral Science & Technology in 1969.

Professor Sawyer had a significant impact on the College and the Department of Biological Sciences. He came to Tech soon after the inception of the Department and played a major role in its initial development and transition to a degree-granting program. He participated in many campus committees and projects, including the renovation of the Chemistry-Biology Building. Professor Sawyer's continued support of undergraduate research and his management of the undergraduate research program proved extremely helpful in enhancing science education at Montana Tech. His continued support and participation in the Montana Academy of Sciences enhanced the advancement of science in the State of Montana.

As one of Techs most accomplished teachers, Professor Sawyer received several awards, including the Amoco Outstanding Teacher Award in 1977 and the Burlington Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award in 1988. He received the Montana Tech Outstanding Achievement Award in 1999. Students appreciate his concern and his organized, professional, and up-to-date approach to teaching.

Professor Sawyer provided a unique mix of public service at the local, State, and national levels. He has served on the St. James Community Hospital Ethics Committee, the Board of Directors for the Teachers Credit Union, and as the Executive Director of the Montana Academy of Sciences for many years. For many, the name "Paul Sawyer" has been synonymous with cross-country skiing. Professor Sawyer not only introduced many to the sport, he served the sport as a board member, Chairman of the Cross-Country Committee, and Vice President of the United States Ski Association. His service has improved the quality of life for many people.

Professor Sawyer has remained active in research throughout his career. Not only has he conducted his own projects and provided valuable plant taxonomic services to the public, but he also supervised and inspired many students in their own endeavors.

With this recommendation, the Faculty, Staff, and Students of Montana Tech of The University of Montana thank Professor Sawyer for 33 years of outstanding service and send congratulations and best wishes for the future.