Bill and Arlene Mickols

Bill Mickols received his undergraduate degrees in chemistry and biology as well as a master’s degree in biochemistry from Northern Illinois University. Along with the academic support Bill received from Professor Arnold Hampel, Bill remembers how important financial aid was in allowing him to direct his efforts toward his studies rather than toward a job to support his education. This support enabled him to complete his studies and pursue his Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the University of New Mexico, and to do postdoctoral work at the University of California at Berkeley. All of Bill’s educational pursuits prepared him for his work in water purification membranes which are important in so many areas of the world. Bill went on to receive the Scientist of the Year Award from the Dow Chemical Company, the Hero of Chemistry Award from the American Chemical Society, the Distinguished Alumni Award from NIU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Bill and his wife, Arlene, want to give other deserving students in NIU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry the same recognition and help that can have an important impact during the early training of a scientist. They hope other like-minded alumni will join them in contributing to this scholarship fund in support of tomorrow’s distinguished scientists.