Professor William J. "Bill" Schang from the English department at Ripon College has announced his retirement from teaching due to medical reasons, effective next week. The announcement comes as Schang rings in his 41st year of teaching at Ripon.
Bill’s journey at Ripon College began in the 1969-70 academic year, having earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He quickly gained a reputation as an excellent and engaging teacher, earning four May Bumby Severy Awards for Excellence in Teaching (2000, 1989, 1984, 1975). A longtime student favorite, he also won four Senior Class Awards for teaching (1998, 1986, 1985, 1982) and a James Underkofler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (1993). He was awarded tenure during the 1976-77 academic year.
"I barely knew Bill when I arrived in 2003. He was serving as interim dean until the arrival of a new president. I asked him to continue on as dean until the transition of leadership was complete. He reluctantly agreed, serving with distinction until 2006,” said Ripon College President David C. Joyce. “Considering how much more at home he was at the front of a classroom than behind a desk, I have always appreciated his willingness to step in when the need arose.
"During his four decades at Ripon, Bill has forged deep and abiding friendships, not only with faculty and staff but with innumerable students. He epitomizes our commitment to a richly personalized education, and our beloved College is all the more special for his time here. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him the best.”