In memory of Professor Benjamin A. DeGraff, Jr.

Ben was born to parents Benjamin Anthony DeGraff, Sr. and Frances Elizabeth Gould on December 23, 1938 and passed on December 18, 2015.

Ben received his BA from Ohio Wesleyan University, an MS and Ph.D. in physical chemistry at Ohio State University in 1965, and was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University, 1965-1967. He was an assistant professor at the University of Virginia for five years before joining the JMU faculty in September 1972 as associate professor and department head. He was promoted to full professor in 1976, served as department head until 1978, and was acting head of chemistry in 1985-86. His specialty was laser spectroscopy and he was a pioneer in bringing lasers to the undergraduate curriculum. He was instrumental in building the JMU Regional Undergraduate Laser Facility, and provided training across the country in ways to incorporate lasers into the undergraduate curriculum. He published over a hundred papers, held numerous NSF grants, and mentored dozens of undergraduates in research. He exemplified what makes our department great and he will be sorely missed. 

He is survived by his wife Betty DeGraff, two children Ellen Harrison and Eric DeGraff, 5 grandchildren and on great-granchild.

Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders, HRSPCA, Massanutten Presbyterian Church, or a charity of your choice.