Roger Walmsley, an associate professor emeritus of physics in the School of Arts and Sciences, passed away on November 14, 2021. He was 91.

Dr. Walmsley joined Penn’s faculty in 1958 as an associate in physics research in the School of Arts and Sciences. Two years later, he was promoted to assistant professor, and in 1963 he became an associate professor. Also in 1963, Dr. Walmsley earned Penn’s coveted Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching: James Collins, an alumnus who took a class with Dr. Walmsley during this era, described his teaching as “brilliant and enjoyable.” In 1964, Dr. Walmsley accepted a position in the College of General Studies (CGS was the precursor to the College of Liberal and Professional Studies), and from 1968 to 1970, he served as vice dean of the CGS. Dr. Walmsley also served as the chair of the department of physics during the spring 1981 semester. Between the late 1960s and his retirement from Penn and assumption of emeritus status in 1994, Dr. Walmsley racked up an impressive record of service in Penn’s governance bodies, serving on several committees in Penn’s Faculty Senate, including the Senate Committee on the Economic Status of the Faculty (SCESF), the Senate Grievance Committee, and the Senate Committee on Publication Policy for Almanac. He also served in several roles on the University Council, including as its moderator in 1971 and 1972.

Dr. Walmsley researched metallic compounds, publishing research on nuclear magnetic resistance in metal-aluminum substances. Dr. Walmsley’s research was funded by awards from the National Science Foundation. In 2012, he contributed his knowledge to the Penn Museum’s archaeological projects in Abydos and Saqqara, Egypt. Outside of his academic pursuits, Dr. Walmsley was a baritone vocalist; he was a member of music ensemble Philadelphia Pro Musica and performed at a Music at Noon concert at Houston Hall in 1975. His colleagues remember his resonant voice.