Wotherspoon History Scholarship

ARC Wotherspoon History Scholarship
“Jim Wotherspoon, Ph.D. – ARC History Professor 1961 – 2002 Although blind from a young age, Jim made education a priority – was a top student, an educator, and a role model and motivator to students and colleagues alike. He made national news in the early 1950’s as the first blind Eagle Scout in the US. Despite his physical challenges and the lack of modern technology for blind students in the 1950’s, Jim excelled in school and earned a PhD in History at UC Berkeley. He then began a 41-year career at ARC in 1961, when he was 28 years old. Due to the lack of programs and technology for blind faculty (or students), Jim developed his own teaching methods, seating charts, and curriculum – he dazzled his students with his encyclopedic memory of history. He took many students by surprise when he called on them by name while “looking” right at them. When Jim told students they can overcome any barrier in the way of their educational success, the example of his own life speaks volumes. Along with his 41-year teaching career, Jim also served as department chair for 25 years. He helped advise physically challenged students on campus, and was the faculty sponsor of the handicapped student club. Professor Wotherspoon continues to contribute to this scholarship; therefore he is still supporting students on their road to success.”