James G. Wendel, Professor of Mathematics, will retire from active faculty status on December 31, 1986, following a distinguished career as a teacher, researcher, and administrator at The University of Michigan.

A native of Portland, Oregon, he received his B.A. degree from Reed College in 1943 and his Ph.D. degree from the California Institute of Technology in 1948. He was an instructor at Yale University and a faculty member at Louisiana State University before joining the faculty at The University of Michigan as an assistant professor in 1955. He was promoted to associate professor in 1957 and to professor in 1961.

Professor Wendel served as associate chairman of the mathematics department for a total of 11 years, from 1973-84. He was also a member of the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, and served as its vice-chairman in 1966-67. His research was in the area of probability. Professor Wendel was an inveterate problem solver, who loved the challenge and was often called upon to set up problems for collegiate competitions. He was a popular lecturer, whose many invitations from abroad included guest professorships in Denmark, England, Australia, Israel, France, and Germany.

The Regents now salute James G. Wendel for his exemplary career and dedicated service by naming him Professor Emeritus of Mathematics.