HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — James Madison University will present an honorary degree to a longtime chemistry academic staff member at this weekend’s commencement ceremony.

JMU President Charlie King and Board of Visitors Rector Suzanne Obenshain will present the honorary Doctor of Science degree to Thomas Gallaher, who retired from the university in 2008.

He spent 36 years in the chemistry department, notably serving as a key driver in expanding the role of undergraduate research and was the primary contributor behind the establishment of J-M-U’s multimillion-dollar Shenandoah Valley Regional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance facility.

Honorary degrees are presented to individuals nominated by their peers and colleagues.