Jennifer Orlikoff, Ph.D. (l-r), who serves as president of West Virginia University Potomac State College, is pictured in front of the Duke Anthony Whitmore/Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Academic Achievement Wall with Terry Falkowski, lecturer in the chemistry department and widow of the late Henry Falkowski, Ed.D., whose name was recently inscribed on the Wall. Also present was Terry’s mother, Patricia Harman.
Potomac State College of West Virginia University recently recognized the late Henry Falkowski, Ed.D., during a special ceremony with the inscription of his name on the Duke Anthony Whitmore/Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Academic Achievement Wall.
Dr. Falkowski served as a professor in the Chemistry Department for 41 years, having begun his tenure at Potomac State College in 1976. He also served as a member of the Safety Committee, the Chemical Hygiene Officer, the Pesticides Coordinator, and as chair of the Campus Safety and Access Council. He also served as a WV Safe Schools Representative and as a member of the Safety Committee at WVU.
He enjoyed teaching students about chemistry and the safety of handling chemicals in the lab, and was well-respected by students and colleagues alike. Students often credited him with much of their academic success. Statements like, “…full of passion,” and “…making the world a better place” were often voiced by his students. Many of his former students currently practice in various fields, including medical, pharmaceutical, physical therapy, nursing, and research.
In addition to chemistry, Dr. Falkowski had a passion for dinosaurs and naval history. His fascination with dinosaurs led him to develop a course at the College many years ago in order to educate others who were also interested in dinosaurs. His favorite part of the class was taking students on a field trip to the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, Pa. were they could see various types of dinosaurs on display.
He also served as the science consultant to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial in Wilmington, NC, and as a consultant to the Chickamacomico Life Saving Historical Site in Rodanthe, NC.
Dr. Falkowski earned both his master’s degree in analytical chemistry and his Ed.D. in chemistry education from West Virginia University in Morgantown.