Statistics scholar Johnson eulogized by colleague
Campus Awards
Decorations & Distinctions
Statistics scholar Johnson eulogized by colleague
By M. R. Leadbetter
Professor of statistics
In a classic encounter with my colleague Norman Johnson a few short months ago he asked me in his totally matter-of-fact way if I would speak at his funeral. I agreed as matter-of-factly as I could with the proviso that it should not be too soon, and he gave me strict instructions to stick to facts with no accolades. Here are the facts.
It was on Jan. 9, 1917 that Daisy May and Joseph Johnson of Ilford, England welcomed their newly born son whom they named Norman Lloyd to their family home. Norman was wont to recall his youthful rebellion in avoiding the prestigious school his parents had selected by making a deliberate mess of the entrance examinations. However, despite the resulting lower quality schooling, he already showed his scholarly brilliance by placing third among some thousands in a national merit examination.
He earned multiple bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics, statistics and actuarial science followed by a Ph.D. in statistics at University College, London, and held permanent faculty positions there prior to moving to Chapel Hill in 1962.
The internationally acclaimed Statistics Department, which he joined, had been founded earlier with statistical giants of the day as its initial faculty. Norman fitted perfectly the preeminence envisioned by the founders and complemented the existing program in important ways to achieve for it a self-sufficient complete spectrum of statistical activity of theory and application.
In his time here he was honored in numerous ways -- including fellowships, prizes and medals from statistical, actuarial and quality control professional societies, and a doctor of science degree from his alma mater, University College, London. Carolina recognized his stature with his appointment to an endowed professorship, and he chaired the Statistics Department from 1971 to 1976, this period being characterized by immediate action on all departmental issues. A distinguished endowed chair was named in his honor.
During his 20 years as a fulltime faculty member here, Norman brought great luster to the department and UNC with his prolific research production of some 180 papers and 10 books, including one on "Survival Models" co-authored with the eminent professor of biostatistics, his wife Regina Elandt Johnson.
His perhaps most lasting written professional memorials will be an important series of definitive, virtually biblical volumes on statistical distributions (one of which I observed in the Smithsonian bookstore some years ago) and especially the production as editor-in-chief of the enormously valuable and authoritative 10-volume "Encyclopedia of Statistical Sciences," a Herculean work that has to be one of the most important general resources in the field of available statistical methodology.
But beyond the written word, Norman will be remembered most of all in the hearts and minds of the generations of students and colleagues whom he taught and with whom he collaborated. His course for first-year graduate students was feared and then immensely prized by the students who benefited immeasurably from the rigorous work it required. He loved interaction with people at all levels whether it be professional or related to his ubiquitous interests such as music, history, chess, tennis and, indeed, a fondness for cats.
Norman Lloyd Johnson was indeed a giant of the profession. But unlike many great (and not so great) scientists, he had absolutely no abrasive traits -- there was simply not a mean bone in his body. He was totally unassuming and the epitome of a scholar and a gentleman -- a very gentle man indeed.
He faced his last days with his unique matter of factness, sometimes estimating his remaining lifetime, and a quite extraordinary equanimity based on what he had once described to Regina as his "inner resources to deal with trouble," and I'm certain on strong Christian beliefs, which together they practiced through their church. He was a scientist of great achievements and a truly wonderful human being, who right now may well be hearing the divine words "Well done, good and faithful servant."
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Campus Awards
FPG Child Development Institute
Gina Harrison
Harrison, director of publications, has received the inaugural employee-of-the-year award given by the Research and Economic Development Office.
Harrison was cited for "creating visually engaging and attractive products and reports for scientists as well as non-researchers." She was presented a certificate and a $500 award.
School of Government
Veronica Bellamy
Jennifer Henderson
Bellamy, Human Resources assistant, and Henderson, Legislative Reporting Service manager and Publications Division editor, have recently earned the school's Staff Excellence Awards for 2004.
Bellamy was cited for her "commitment, positive attitude, teamwork, kindness and excellent performance of numerous functions."
Henderson received praise for the outstanding job she does of managing her dual responsibilities. "Her positive attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibilities earn frequent praise from staff and faculty."
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Decorations & Distinctions
Jonathan M. Hess
Hess, professor of German and director of Jewish Studies, has received an honorable mention award for distinguished scholarship from the Modern Language Association at its annual convention in Philadelphia. Hess was honored by his book, "Germans, Jews, and the Claims of Modernity."
School of Pharmacy
Amanda Ball
April Miller
Ball and Miller, students in the School of Pharmacy, won the clinical skills competition at the mid-year meeting of the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. The competition challenges students to analyze a complex clinical case, pinpointing the patient's drug therapy problems, identifying treatment goals and developing a pharmacist's care plan.
Ball and Miller each took home a trophy and $500. The School of Pharmacy keeps the traveling plaque it has held for the past two years.
