SEE THE DIFFERENCE
Bill Armstrong, a U.S. Air Force veteran, graduated from EMU in 1961 with a degree in biology. But he was not done; in 1971 he came back and earned his master's in biology and chemistry. His relationship and fond memories of EMU span a couple of decades, which is why Bill has chosen to remember EMU in his will.
"During my years in the Biology Department I received what I regarded as a great education, and I formed friendships with students and faculty that persist to this day. Those relationships (and ideologies) formed during those years influenced the course of my life. I was exposed to fine educators who had a passion for teaching," said Bill.
Bill fondly recalls his college years on EMU's campus and all the laughs he and his friends, "The Four Musketeers," shared in Ypsilanti's Depot Town over 15 cent shells. He also recalls his favorite professor, Bert Johnson.
"Bert Johnson was the smartest man and best teacher a student could hope to have," said Bill.
Bill contemplated a career in education, but felt he would never be as good a teacher as his much-admired EMU professor, Bert Johnson.
Instead of becoming a teacher, Bill followed a research path and enjoyed a long, successful career in biomedical research at the University of Michigan.
Now retired, he lives with his golden retriever Portia surrounded by the beauty of nature on his wooded acreage in Harrisville.
Bill has chosen to honor Bert Johnson and his alma mater by making a legacy gift in the form of a bequest.