"Bill Payne Memorial Lectureship Established"

William E. “Bill” Payne graduated with his OSU BS ChE in 1944 and MS in 1946.  After an industrial career, and retiring from Phillips in the early 80’s, he returned to the School to instruct in the undergraduate Unit Operations Laboratory for a 7-year period.  We are very grateful for his willingness to contribute to the school.  In his nearly volunteer position, he gave much back to the program that prepared him for his career.   

All of our students pass through the lab on their way to graduation, where they learn how the theory translates to the practice.  And, all students struggle with the connection of theory and practice, in carefully planning and managing experiments to produce useful data, and in preparing effective and complete oral and written reports.  They like lab - but that only happens several years later when they can recognize the benefit, and after the memory of the struggle has faded.  Bill helped many of our graduates through this rite of passage, building strength, enjoying the students’ growth, and helping contribute to the legacy of our program. 

Comments from those that knew him include “Brought the practice into the program.” “Dedicated parent and husband.” “Said what was on his mind!” “Always enjoying life.” “A dear friend.”  “Great sense of humor.”   Bill left a fond and strong reputation as an instructor, friend, and builder of the lab experiences among the faculty.  

In the late 80’s Bill moved to Cincinnati, to really retire near his children and grandchildren.  Bill was born on March 20, 1924, and died in the comfort of his family from the complications of a stroke on January, 16, 2005.   He asked to be returned to Stillwater, his hometown, and now rests along side of his wife Juanita.  

When he was a faculty member, Bill clearly let people know what he thought of sitting through academic seminars.  That was his style.  Bill also wanted to give one final contribution to the school.  So, he directed that his estate provide an endowment to sponsor the chemical engineering lecture series at OSU.  That irony fits his sense of humor, too.  

Nearly thirty other friends have donated to the Bill Payne Lectureship.  We are grateful for the gifts, which become part of an endowment, which will sponsor an annual lecture in chemical engineering at OSU.  Technical seminars from prominent external researchers enrich the faculty and graduate students, and help us contribute to the OSU mission.  

If you would like to honor Bill’s contribution and dedication by helping the William E. “Bill” Payne Lectureship in Chemical Engineering, write a check payable to “The OSU Foundation” indicate that it is for the “ChE Bill Payne Lectureship” and mail it to The Bill Payne Lectureship, School of Chemical Engineering 423 EN, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078-5021.  We will inform the family.  

                                                                             Bill Payne's daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Keith Crutcher of Cincinnati are presenting the initial endowment check to Dr. Russell Rhinehart.