Dr. William Cullen “Bill” Grant (M.S. ‘69, Ph.D. ‘72), a retired Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator of Biological Sciences, served at NC State for over 40 years in a variety of roles. He led a research laboratory and acted as Associate Provost, but it was teaching and student service that he loved most. With his wisdom and peaceful demeanor, he was an admired mentor and role model for many students and colleagues alike. Dr. Grant was a first-generation college student who spent his youth working on cotton and tobacco farms in rural South Carolina. The William C. Grant Scholarship honors his legacy by providing aid to first-generation students as they pursue degrees in the Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Grant was known for reading Henry van Dyke’s poem “Work” to his introductory biology classes and at graduation ceremonies.

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.
– “Work” by Henry Van Dyke