Alumni Award Recipient

Award: 2009 Distinguished Service Award

Achievements: Dr. Larry McRae (60C) distinguished himself in scholarship and service throughout his 31-year career as a faculty member in Berry’s chemistry department. Honors claimed by Dr. McRae include the Dave and Lu Garrett Award for Meritorious Teaching, the Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award and Faculty Member of the Year. For more than two decades, Dr. McRae served as faculty marshall, carrying the college mace and leading the procession at commencement and other major events. He also participated in the planning of Berry’s new science complex and initiated the effort to gain American Chemical Society (ACS) approval for Berry’s chemistry curriculum. Today, the outstanding faculty award presented annually by the student affiliate of Berry’s American Chemical Society chapter bears his name. When he wasn’t changing lives in the classroom, Dr. McRae made a difference in other ways, opening his home to students in need, sharing his faith through Bible studies and other fellowship opportunities, and volunteering in the local community. Retired since 2005, Dr. McRae now lives in Lakemont, Ga., with wife Clara, also a 1960 graduate of Berry College. He continues to volunteer his time in support of his local church and Habitat for Humanity. He also believes strongly in continued service to Berry. In recognition of that commitment, Dr. McRae was honored for 10 years of annual service at the 2009 Alumni Work Week celebration.