Bill Grant

Bio

In 2017, Dr. William C. “Bill” Grant (M.S. ’69, Ph.D.’72) retired after 43 years of teaching, research, and service. During his tenure, Bill taught countless students, collaborated with colleagues across the university, and was a revered figure in the College of Sciences. Decades later, many students still consider Bill a friend and mentor who has inspired their lives and broadened their career pathways. Dr. Grant will always be remembered for his love of the poem, Work, by Henry Van Dyke.

Dr. William Cullen Grant, 80, of Cary, NC departed this earthly life on Sunday October 13, 2024.
https://www.haywoodfh.com/obituary/DrWilliamCullen-Grant

Work
Let me but do my work from day to day,
In field or forest, at the desk or loom,
In roaring market-place or tranquil room;
Let me but find it in my heart to say,
When vagrant wishes beckon me astray,
“This is my work; my blessing, not my doom;
“Of all who live, I am the one by whom
“This work can best be done in the right way.”

Then shall I see it not too great, nor small,
To suit my spirit and to prove my powers;
Then shall I cheerful greet the labouring hours,
And cheerful turn, when the long shadows fall
At eventide, to play and love and rest,
Because I know for me my work is best.

– Henry Van Dyke