DR. WILLIAM W. AKERS
1922-2017
William Walter Akers, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University, passed away on November 5, 2017. Dr. Akers was a distinguished chemical engineer, serving Rice University as Professor and Vice President of Administration for 47 years.
He was the son of Oscar Walter Akers and Lela Malone Akers of Graham, Texas. He enjoyed sports, reading, hunting, fishing, and from the age of 9, he assisted his father in business. After graduating from high school at age 16, Bill and his mother moved to Lubbock, where he studied Chemical Engineering at Texas Tech College (University), and graduated with honors. He then served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. From 1944 to 1947, he studied engineering at The University of Texas (Masters), and the University of Michigan (Ph.D.)
On March 1, 1947, Bill married Nancy Tressel, and returned with bride to Texas, and began his career at Atlantic Refining Co. as research engineer. Soon thereafter, Rice Institute called him to join the faculty as assistant professor of Chemical Engineering. He served Rice University from 1947 to 1993 as professor, chairman of the department, director of the Biomedical Engineering Lab, professor of Environmental Engineering, attaining position of vice president of administration for 15 years.
While director of Rice University’s Biomedical Engineering Lab (1964-1966), the Rice-Baylor Artificial Heart Project developed the first successful left-ventricular heart bypass or partial artificial heart, that was implanted by Dr. Michael DeBakey and the Baylor team. This ventricular assist device is in wide use today as a bridge to heart transplantation.
As administrator (1973 to 1989), he served as Assistant to the President for Development, Director of University Relations, VP for External Affairs, and VP for Administration. Dr. Akers’ efforts were acknowledged by Rice receiving an award for the most giving of unrestricted funds per alumnus of up to $25,000,000/year. Over his 17-year tenure in the Development Office, Rice raised more than $230,000,000, including $8,700,000 for a new Shepherd School of Music, 28 fellowships and lectureships, and 172 scholarships.
Dr. Akers was first and foremost an engineer, always ready to tackle the most challenging problems and volunteer for causes that he considered important. However, it was his students’ successes that gave him the greatest joy, and the hardwork of his associates and fore-bearers that inspired him to continue excelling.
His work on government projects included serving on the Council of Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies (1963-1968), U.S. Afghanistan Educational Consortium (1963-1970), Advisory Council for Coal Mine Health Research, the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Artificial Heart Special Committee, Advisory Council on Nuclear Energy, and NIH Bio-Med Fellowship Committee. He also served as advisor to the Yugoslav Government setting up a research institute for the chemical and metallurgical industry (1961-1962), on the advisory council on Texas Energy and Natural Resources, and as consultant to the chemical industry. Dr. Akers was the recipient of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering Award (AIChE) (1966), the Golden Medal of the San Diego Biomedical Symposia for contributions to biomedical engineering (1966), Texas Tech University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award (1967), and AIChE Distinguished Lecturer (1969).
Dr. Akers served on the Boards of the Salvation Army, Houston Symphony, Parish School, United Fund, the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC), Brazos Presbyterian Homes, St. Luke’s Hospital, and as founding member and elder of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, vestry of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, and member of the Houston Philosophical Society and Colonneh Club. Bill took on a variety of retirement activities, including working at the CCSC, preparing income tax returns (by hand) for seniors through AARP’s program, and visiting-professor at Prairie View A&M College teaching the senior Chemical Engineering Design course for 2 years.
Bill was a devoted, loving husband of Nancy, and beloved father. He is survived by his daughters Carol Akers Klug and Susan Akers Hirtz - and their husbands, John T. Klug and Theodore S. Hirtz. The family enjoyed fly-fishing, sailing, camping, golfing, traveling, being together and with friends. He loved an intellectual challenge, had an intensely “wry” sense of humor, was well-versed in most disciplines, and conciliatory by nature. Although Bill Akers lives on forever in our hearts, his presence will be greatly missed.
A celebration of his life will be held on December 7, 2017 at 2 pm at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church with reception to follow. Memorials in his honor may be sent to Rice University’s William W. Akers Endowed Engineering Scholarship Fund, Salvation Army, or to the charity of your choice.