West Virginia University’s Department of Chemical Engineering will induct two new members, James H. Laughlin, Jr. and Richard N. Smith, into its Academy of Chemical Engineers at a banquet April 28 in Morgantown .
The Academy was founded in 1986 to recognize graduates who have had distinguished professional careers or who have been of outstanding service to the University. This year marks the Academy’s 20 th anniversary.
We are very proud to welcome these two fine new members into our Academy, and we are especially proud that our Academy is celebrating its 20 th anniversary,said Dady Dadyburjor, chair of the department.
Over the past 20 years,he said,our Academy and its individual members have spearheaded many improvements within the department, from the Alfred F. Galli Laboratory Complex to undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships and named professorships. Academy members have also served as counselors to several department chairs and have succeeded in keeping the chairs’feet planted firmly on the ground.
Laughlin graduated from WVU with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1964, and then earned a law degree from American University . He is a partner in the international law firm of Holland and Knight in Washington , D.C. , where he provides litigation and counseling for chemical, pharmaceutical and electronics clients in intellectual property and related technology issues.
His professional career began in the Legal Division of the American Cynamid Company in Stamford , Conn. After seven years, he joined Xerox. Twelve years after receiving his bachelor’s degree, he entered the private practice of law in Washington , D.C.
Smith graduated from WVU with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1959, and began his career with Goodrich-Gulf Chemicals, Thiokol and Celanese. He then spent 31 years working for Pfizer, a major producer of pharmaceuticals, food chemicals and industrial products, in various management positions and locations, including Connecticut , North Carolina and Ireland .
During his time in Connecticut , he served on the Ledyard Board of Tax Review, Town Council and Economic Development Commission. Since retirement, Smith has lived in Lewisburg with his wife, Nada.