6/4/98

In addition to Terry Anderson and Newt Gingrich, The University Committee on Honorary Degrees has recommended that Ohio University honor the persons listed below through the conferral of an honorary doctoral degree:

John C. Angus

John Angus is a professor at Case Western Reserve University, where he has served since 1970. He was interim dean of engineering at Case in 1986-87 and chaired its chemical engineering department from 1974-80.

Angus earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering at University of Michigan. Angus is said to be the second person to synthesize diamond by low pressure, low temperature methods. It was some 20 years before his ideas were accepted and his contribution acknowledged by the scientific community.

Angus has been an active booster of Ohio University. He has co-authored several grants with OU researchers, written tenure and promotion letters for faculty and served as a consultant for university professors engaged in diamond research.

Daniel Kung-Cheun Shao

Daniel Shao is executive director of Van Yu Trading in Hong Kong, specializing in lumber, clothing, import, export and retail trade.

Shao is a trustee of the Ohio University Foundation and member of the Libraries National Advisory Council and is the honorary director of the state of Ohio's Office in East and Southeast Asia.

A 1972 graduate of Ohio University with a degree in economics, Shao received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Award for Achievement in Business by the College of Business and the Medal of Merit, the Alumni Association's highest honor, in 1989.

Shao and his father, You-Bao, have been supporters of various university endeavors. You-Bao Shao donated $500,000 to establish the Overseas Chinese Documentation and Research Center at Alden Library.

James J. Whalen

James Whalen retired in 1997 after a distinguished career in higher education, serving the last 22 years as president of Ithaca College.

A recipient of the Paley Award from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, presented for displaying "the spirit of unfailing service toward the students and faculty of independent higher education," Whalen is an honorary member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and received an Exceptional Service Award from the U.S. Air Force. He is listed in "American Men of Science," "Outstanding Educators of America," "Who's Who in America" and "Who's Who in American Education."

Whalen earned a bachelor's degree at Franklin and Marshal College and master's and doctoral degrees from Penn State. He began work at Ohio University in 1964 and served as director of the Center for Psychological Services, dean of students, vice president for administrative affairs and executive vice president before leaving the university in 1969.