After more than 454 years of combined service, 11 faculty members at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences are retiring following the successful completion of their final academic year.

"We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of these faculty members, who have given their all in the classroom, through their research and as a part of our University of Arkansas community," said Todd Shields, Dean of Fulbright College. "And when I look back at their accomplishments, I feel humbled, inspired, and — honestly — exhausted! We cannot thank them enough for their tireless service to the greatest and most noble pursuit — education."

To commemorate this bittersweet milestone, Fulbright College recently hosted a Faculty Retirement Reception celebrating the honorees:

Doug James, Department of Biological Sciences 
Fun Fact: He joined the university in 1953, after previously studying ornithology with James Watson, one of the co-discoverers of the DNA structure; he's also received funding from 17 agencies, has 110 peer-reviewed publications and books, and mentored 78 graduate students.

Bill Durham, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 
Fun Fact: He joined the university in 1979, and has been awarded over 20 research grants totaling close to $8 million, published over 122 articles in top journals, and graduated 16 Ph.D. students while also playing a key role in the renovation of the historic Chemistry Building.

Peter Pulay, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (retiring in Dec. 2016) 
Fun Fact: He joined the university in 1982, and is among the top 300 most highly cited living chemists in the world, with one of his publications cited 3,905 times and five others each cited more than 1,000 times; his total body of work has been cited more than 27,000 times.

Margaret "Peggy" Guccione, Department of Geosciences 
Fun Fact: She joined the university in 1979, and quickly developed a reputation as a rigorous yet accessible thesis advisor which has resulted in nearly all of her students being hired by top firms; additionally, she's converted a copper baron mansion in Montana into a boarding house.

Doy Zachry, Department of Geosciences 
Fun Fact: He joined the university in 1968, and has spent 48 years teaching, conducting research and providing leadership to the geology community, including participating in and directing the Geology Field Camp in Montana for over 30 years.

Tom Graff, Department of Geosciences (retired in Jan. 2016) 
Fun Fact: He joined the university in 1973, and as a specialist in human geography has authored numerous papers on elderly migration patterns, which led to him working with major area retailers on projects like diversification into full-service grocery retailing.

Hoyt Purvis, Walter J. Lemke Department of Journalism 
Fun Fact: He joined the university in 1982, after previously serving as a Houston Chronicle reporter, and as press secretary and special assistant to college namesake Senator J. William Fulbright and foreign and defense policy counsel for Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd.

James "Jim" Meek, Department of Mathematical Sciences 
Fun Fact: He joined the university in 1967, and has spent 49 years dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service - in particular as an instrumental part of coordinating the instruction of calculus, later directing the calculus program, and being an undergraduate advisor.

Allan Cochran, Department of Mathematical Sciences 
Fun Fact: He joined the university in 1966, and spent 23 years of that time as an administrator in mathematical sciences who has been long touted by colleagues for almost single-handedly keeping the department running and for his dedication to building the department's reputation.

Stan Morris, Department of Music 
Fun Fact: He joined the university in 1991, and quickly became one of music's most beloved faculty members, according to his colleagues; additionally, the hang gliding enthusiast is known for being patient, kind and hard-working throughout his term as associate chair of music.

Kay Pritchett, Department of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures 
Fun Fact: She joined the university in 1982, and has had an impressive career in the field of contemporary Spanish poetry, fiction and literary translation which has won her national accolades; additionally, she is a successful poet and accomplished mystery writer.

"The contributions of each of these faculty members is inspiring, and each has had a positive impact on thousands of lives," Shields said. "We wish them all the best in the next chapter of their lives, and hope they all enjoy retirement to the fullest."