Lois Marie Reed

Award citation

As ‘grandmother’ of students, beloved friend of the faculty, and department administrator since 1987, no person has been more important to the Physics Department and Sigma Pi Sigma at Abilene Christian University than Lois Marie. We are extremely grateful for all that she does, and we love her very much.

Biography

On Thursday, March 3rd, the Abilene Christian University (ACU) chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma inducted four new members. Among the four was Lois Marie Reed, a very special inductee who exemplifies honor, encouragement, service, and fellowship. Without this member, the physics department at ACU would not function with the same smoothness or class. Lois Marie Reed has been the administrative coordinator for the ACU Department of Physics for twenty-three years. She has been the support system for the professors and the “physics grandma” for the students. She goes nonstop, giving her best to all those around her.

For almost a quarter of a century, Lois Marie has made hundreds of thousands of homemade cookies on Mondays, provided bundles of bananas on Wednesday, and cookies and donuts on Friday. She provides meals for special physics occasions, including a survival room with food and drinks during the stressful days of final exams. Her generosity is not only seen through her glorious food, but also through her dedication to all those who can learn from her wisdom. She keeps track of the department’s duties, helps students and professors with academic schedules, and is always there to listen, give advice, and encourage students. Her gentle encouragement and fellowship with students has helped ACU physics to retain many students who might otherwise have given up on a physics degree.

In recognition of her lengthy and selfless service to the ACU physics department and all those who have considered physics at ACU, Lois Marie was also awarded the Sigma Pi Sigma Outstanding Service Award. The tables were turned that night. Instead of Lois Marie being the proud photographer for the department, she was in the spotlight, and it was about time! A number of professors were touched by this specific induction because she has stood by the people of the ACU physics department in so many ways. All who were present at the ceremony gave Lois Marie a standing ovation as she finished a sweet and grateful “Thank you.” The ACU Department of Physics could not ask for a better person to receive such honors and is thankful every day for her service and the blessing that she is.